Efficacy of the Mediterranean Diet for Visceral Fat Reduction and Metabolic Health: A Systematic Review

Abstract

This systematic review examines the impact of the Mediterranean diet (MD) on weight management and metabolic health, drawing from a comprehensive analysis of relevant literature. The review encompasses diverse studies, including variations like the Green-Mediterranean diet, to provide a nuanced understanding of the MD's versatility and effectiveness across different populations and contexts. Findings reveal consistent reductions in abdominal fat, improvements in cardiovascular risk factors, and a lower risk of diabetes among individuals adhering to the MD. Additionally, the MD demonstrates cardiometabolic benefits, highlighting its role in cardiovascular disease prevention and mitigating diabetes risk. Distinct metabolic profiles observed between metabolically healthy and unhealthy obese individuals underscore the importance of dietary patterns, particularly the MD, in modulating metabolic health outcomes. The emergence of the Green-Mediterranean diet as a promising intervention for reducing intrahepatic fat and mitigating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease prevalence aligns with broader health and ecological objectives. Furthermore, the MD improves diet quality and adipose tissue distribution, indicating its comprehensive impact on health. While the review acknowledges limitations such as study heterogeneity and limited long-term data, it underscores the MD as a viable and holistic strategy for sustainable weight management and improved metabolic health. Future research should aim for standardized protocols and longer follow-up durations to enhance understanding of the MD's long-term benefits.