Mediterranean diet is best way to tackle obesity, say doctors

A Mediterranean diet may be a better way of tackling obesity than calorie counting, leading doctors have said.

Writing in the Postgraduate Medical Journal (PMJ), the doctors said a Mediterranean diet quickly reduced the risk of heart attacks and strokes.  And they said it may be better than low-fat diets for sustained weight loss.

The PMJ editorial argues a focus on food intake is the best approach, but it warns crash dieting is harmful.  They criticise the weight-loss industry for focusing on calorie restriction rather than "good nutrition".

They make the case for a Mediterranean diet, including fruit and vegetables, nuts and olive oil, citing research suggesting it quickly reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and may be better than low-fat diets for sustained weight loss.

The lead author, cardiologist Dr Aseem Malhotra, says the scientific evidence is overwhelming.  "What's more responsible is that we tell people to concentrate on eating nutritious foods.

Inspired by traditional cuisine of countries such as Greece, Spain and Italy, the Mediterranean diet has long been associated with good health and fit hearts.

Typically, it consists of an abundance of vegetables, fresh fruit, wholegrain cereals, olive oil and nuts, as well as poultry and fish, rather than lots of red meat and butter or animal fats.

View article in PMJ : Healthy eating: an NHS priority: A sure way to improve health outcomes for NHS staff and the public

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