RESEARCH PAPER
Assessment of the level of knowledge of people with obesity about the Mediterranean diet and its impact on health
1
Katedra i Zakład Leczenia Otyłości, Zaburzeń Metabolicznych oraz Dietetyki Klinicznej, Uniwersytet Medyczny w Poznaniu, Polska
2
Department of Treatment of Obesity, Metabolic Disorders and Clinical Dietetics, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Polska
Corresponding author
Marta Pelczyńska
Katedra i Zakład Leczenia Otyłości, Zaburzeń Metabolicznych oraz Dietetyki Klinicznej, Uniwersytet Medyczny w Poznaniu, ul. Przybyszewskiego 49, 60-355, Poznań, Polska
Katedra i Zakład Leczenia Otyłości, Zaburzeń Metabolicznych oraz Dietetyki Klinicznej, Uniwersytet Medyczny w Poznaniu, ul. Przybyszewskiego 49, 60-355, Poznań, Polska
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Introduction and objective:
Obesity is one of the key challenges for public health. Among the recommended dietary strategies, the Mediterranean diet (MD) is prominent, with its proven health benefits making it an important component of obesity treatment. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of people with obesity about MD and its impact on health, and to identify factors that promote and hinder its implementation.
Material and methods:
The study was conducted among 89 individuals with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m², using a proprietary questionnaire made available on social media in groups of individuals with obesity and patients preparing for bariatric surgery. The questionnaire included sociodemographic and health data, experiences with MD, knowledge of its principles, perceived benefits, and practical aspects of its use. Statistical analysis was conducted using the software Statistica.
Results:
Data analysis revealed that although 96% of respondents had heard of MD, only 2% had used it. The level of knowledge about the principles of MD in the study group was moderate and varied. Women and those with higher education had a statistically significantly higher level of knowledge. The main motivating factors for implementing MD were health determinants, such as the desire to lose weight and improve overall health, while barriers to adherence to its principles included organizational and economic factors, as well as the need for dietitian support.
Conclusions:
The obtained results highlight the urgent need to implement educational activities and increase the availability of specialized support to enable the implementation of MD as an effective method of obesity prevention and treatment.
Obesity is one of the key challenges for public health. Among the recommended dietary strategies, the Mediterranean diet (MD) is prominent, with its proven health benefits making it an important component of obesity treatment. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of people with obesity about MD and its impact on health, and to identify factors that promote and hinder its implementation.
Material and methods:
The study was conducted among 89 individuals with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m², using a proprietary questionnaire made available on social media in groups of individuals with obesity and patients preparing for bariatric surgery. The questionnaire included sociodemographic and health data, experiences with MD, knowledge of its principles, perceived benefits, and practical aspects of its use. Statistical analysis was conducted using the software Statistica.
Results:
Data analysis revealed that although 96% of respondents had heard of MD, only 2% had used it. The level of knowledge about the principles of MD in the study group was moderate and varied. Women and those with higher education had a statistically significantly higher level of knowledge. The main motivating factors for implementing MD were health determinants, such as the desire to lose weight and improve overall health, while barriers to adherence to its principles included organizational and economic factors, as well as the need for dietitian support.
Conclusions:
The obtained results highlight the urgent need to implement educational activities and increase the availability of specialized support to enable the implementation of MD as an effective method of obesity prevention and treatment.
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