Females are more adherent to Lebanese Mediterranean Diet than males among university students

Abstract

Introduction: Although the Mediterranean Diet has been shown to be protective against several diseases, nutritional transition continues to take place in several countries, particularly among youth. The aim of this study was to evaluate Lebanese Mediterranean Diet Score adherence among university students of Lebanon, along with its correlates, obesity in particular. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 17 universities of Lebanon; standardized questions were asked about food frequency and adherence to a Lebanese Mediterranean Diet using a Lebanese Mediterranean Diet Score (LMDS). Physical activity, anthropometric data, smoking and other sociodemographic factors were also taken into account. Results: The study involved 3384 students, with a mean LMDS of 25 (SD=5). We found that adherence to Lebanese Mediterranean diet was moderate among university students in Lebanon; it was however higher for females in comparison to males (p<0.001) As for the relationship with obesity, lower adherence to Lebanese Mediterranean diet was found to be related to obesity status among female students and in the total sample; among men, all BMI categories had the same Lebanese Mediterranean diet scoring. Discussion: Young adults, mainly men, have a low to moderate adherence to the Lebanese Mediterranean diet; they represent the appropriate age bracket in which health-promotion activities should be carried out, aiming at facilitating the adoption of health-promoting behaviors and eventually reducing premature mortality at a later stage.