Relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet, sustainable and healthy eating behaviors, and climate change awareness: A cross-sectional study from Turkey

Anxiety for the planet, health for the body: the relationship between eco-anxiety and the Mediterranean diet in Turkish young adults

BACKGROUND

Eco-anxiety is a psychological state that expresses concerns about climate change and is thought to affect individuals' adherence to the Mediterranean diet; however, no study has examined this relationship. This study aimed to examine the relationship between eco-anxiety and adherence to the Mediterranean diet in young adults, one of the age groups most affected by eco-anxiety.

RESULTS

Of the 736 individuals who participated in the study, 70.5% were female, and the mean age was 20.9 ± 1.8 years. Higher levels of eco-anxiety were found in females and in those studying in health-related departments (P < 0.05). The eco-anxiety score tends to be higher in individuals with a higher Mediterranean diet adherence scale score (β = 0.322, 95% CI: 0.129-0.503, P = 0.001) and in those in health-related departments (β = 4.541, 95% CI: 3.729-5.317, P < 0.001), while it tends to decrease with higher income levels (β = -0.622, 95% CI: -1.171 to -0.072, P = 0.027). CONCLUSİON: The study results indicate that eco-anxiety is not entirely negative. Moderate levels of eco-anxiety may enhance awareness of environmental issues and support adherence to the Mediterranean diet. © 2025 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Planet-friendly plates: the effect of a plant-based diet on sustainable eating behavior in a sample of Turkish adults

BACKGROUND

In addition to the health effects of plant-based diets, their impact on the environment is becoming increasingly important. This study was conducted to assess the impact of adherence to a plant-based diet on sustainable eating behaviors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 2122 Turkish adults, 73% female and 27% male. The plant-based diet index (PDI), healthy plant-based diet index (hPDI) and unhealthy plant-based diet index (uPDI) were obtained from a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). After the index scores were calculated, the sample was divided into tertiles for each index. The sustainable eating behaviors of the participants were determined with the 'Behaviors Scale towards Sustainable Nutrition'.

RESULTS

The PDI and hPDI levels of female participants were found to be higher than those of male participants. Factors such as age, exercise and educational status were also found to affect adherence to a plant-based diet. In regression models, PDI (Model 1; β: 0.413, Model 2; β: 0.369, Model 3; β: 0.367) and hPDI (Model 1; β: 0.462, Model 2; β: 0.366, Model 3; β: 0. 351) scores had a positive effect on sustainable eating behavior scores, whereas uPDI (Model 1; β: -0.496, Model 2; β: -0.471, Model 3; β: -0.459) scores had a negative effect (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that individuals with higher adherence to overall plant-based and healthy plant-based diets exhibit more sustainable eating behaviors. Promoting healthy plant-based diets presents a promising approach to advancing sustainable nutrition, and mitigating environmental challenges. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Evaluation of the relationship between nutrition literacy, Mediterranean diet compliance, ecological footprint and sustainable environmental attitudes in adolescents

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between nutrition literacy, Mediterranean diet compliance, ecological footprint and sustainable environmental attitudes in adolescents.

METHODS

This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 673 adolescents aged 14-18 years. The individuals' general characteristics were questioned. Sustainable environmental attitudes, nutritional literacy status and compliance with the Mediterranean diet were assessed with the help of scales. An ecological footprint calculator was used for the calculation of the ecological footprint.

RESULTS

The mean age of the individuals was 16.5 ± 1.42 years. Adolescent Nutrition Literacy Scale score and Sustainable Environmental Attitude Scale score were higher in female adolescents than in males (p < 0.05). Ecological Footprint score was higher in male adolescents than in females (p < 0.05). A statistically significant positive correlation was found between Adolescent Nutrition Literacy Scale score, Sustainable Environmental Attitude Scale score and Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED) score (p < 0.05). It was determined that sex and Sustainable Environmental Attitude Scale score affected the Ecological Footprint total score (p < 0.05). It was determined that sex, Adolescent Nutrition Literacy Scale score and Ecological Footprint total score affected the Sustainable Environmental Attitude Scale score (p < 0.05). Also, it was determined that Adolescent Nutrition Literacy Scale score affected the KIDMED score (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Girls have higher nutritional literacy and sustainable environmental attitude. Nutrition literacy, sustainable environmental attitude and KIDMED total scores showed a significant positive correlation with each other. Nutritional literacy is effective on sustainable environmental attitude and compliance with the Mediterranean diet. Sustainable environmental attitude is effective in reducing the ecological footprint.

Gender and sex differences in adherence to a Mediterranean diet and associated factors during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant lifestyle changes, including alterations in dietary habits and increases in sedentary behavior. The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been associated with various health benefits, which are especially important given the health challenges posed by the pandemic. During the pandemic, an overall shift towards consuming more highly processed foods has been observed.

Methods

This systematic review investigated adherence to MD during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on gender differences and factors influencing adherence to MD in the general public. The literature search focused on papers published between January 1, 2019, and July 8, 2024, across various databases such as Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, PubMed MEDLINE, and PsycINFO.

Results

Following the PRISMA guidelines, this search identified 14,347 references, of which 5,734 were duplicates. After a thorough multi-level screening process, 29 studies, encompassing 55,242 participants, met the inclusion criteria. While seven studies reported that men adhered to a MD more than women during the COVID-19 pandemic, 12 studies also indicated that women had higher adherence to a MD compared to men. Nine studies, however, found no significant gender differences in MD adherence. Additionally, older age, higher education levels, higher socioeconomic status, and increased physical activity were linked to greater adherence to a MD in the pandemic context.

Conclusion

Gender-specific differences in dietary behavior are influenced by factors such as socioeconomic status, gender roles, and pandemic phases as well as biases in sample composition and methodological weaknesses. Significant gaps in the evidence, particularly concerning sexual and gender minorities, are highlighted.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=421727.

Evaluation of university students' Mediterranean diet quality and sustainable eating behaviors: a cross-sectional study

The study aimed to evaluate University Students' diet quality and sustainable eating behaviors, with the intention of developing strategies to promote healthy eating habits. We questioned the sociodemographic characteristics and general eating habits of the students. We administered Mediterranean diet quality scale (KIDMED) and Behaviors Scale Towards Sustainable Nutrition (BSTSN) to 300 Turkish students. We found that 163 of the students' diet quality was moderate level. KIDMED score positively correlated with the BSTSN score (r=0.306, p<0.001). When higher night eating habits predicted lower diet quality (β=-0.117, p=0.038), higher main meals and sustainable eating behavior predicted higher diet quality (β=0.145, p=0.009 and β=0.258, p<0.001, respectively). The results indicate that students generally have moderate diet quality, which sustainable eating behaviors can enhance. Night eating habits and dietary patterns impact diet quality, highlighting the importance of meal planning. To promote healthy eating, universities should incorporate sustainability into curricula and provide supportive facilities.

Nutrition literacy and its relationship with diet quality and quality of life among white-collar employees: a study from Türkiye

BACKGROUND

Nutrition literacy is an important component of health and healthy eating behaviors. The aim of this study was to determine the nutrition literacy (NL) status of white-collar employees and its relationship with adherence to the Mediterranean diet, anthropometric measurements, and lifestyle behaviors, including eating habits, dietary intake, and physical activity level.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted with 3459 white-collar employees aged 18-65 who lived in Türkiye. A questionnaire prepared by the researchers was used to obtain information about the demographic characteristics and anthropometric measurements of the participants. Evaluation Instrument of Nutrition Literacy on Adults (EINLA) was used to assess NL, the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) was used to assess diet quality, and the Quality of Life Test Short Form-36 (SF-36) was used to determine quality of life. Data analysis was conducted using the IBM SPSS Statistics 21.0 program.

RESULTS

With an average age of 24.3 ± 10.5 years and 50.7% women, women presented higher nutrition literacy than men did (p < 0.001). Most participants held university or postgraduate degrees with medium to high income levels and the majority demonstrated sufficient NL. Compared with other participants, those with adequate NL had significantly higher Mediterranean diet adherence, and SF-36 physical (77.27 ± 16.26), and mental (65.45 ± 17.00) scores (p < 0.001). Negative correlations were found between the EINLA score and BMI (r=-0.082), waist circumference (r=-0.072), hip circumference (r=-0.036), waist/hip ratio (r=-0.074), and waist/height ratio (r=-0.056) (p < 0.05). Additionally, weak positive correlations were observed between the EINLA score and the SF-36 physical (r = 0.158) and mental scores (r = 0.088), as well as the metabolic equivalent of task (MET) score (r = 0.042) (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study demonstrated that NL is a significant predictor of anthropometric measurements and healthy lifestyle behaviors including dietary habits, and quality of life among adults. Nutrition literacy can enable individuals to make informed choices and thus contribute to the prevention of many noncommunicable chronic diseases.

Fluctuations in Mediterranean Diet Adherence Pre- and Post-Pandemic: A Study of Portuguese Cohorts 2019-2024

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The Mediterranean Diet (MD) is a lifestyle offering numerous health benefits. Nevertheless, the adherence to the MD is moderate even in Mediterranean countries. While sociodemographic factors influence MD adherence, additional impacts occurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional longitudinal study with three cohorts of Portuguese adults analyzes MD adherence before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic, and explores the effect of sociodemographic variables.

METHODS

Sociodemographic factors, lifestyle habits, and MD adherence were assessed in the years 2019, 2021, and 2024 with an online self-filled questionnaire. MD adherence was measured with the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS).

RESULTS

MEDAS score increased significantly (p < 0.05) from 2019 to 2021 (6.2 ± 0.7 to 7.7 ± 0.1), followed by a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in 2024 (7.2 ± 0.1) relative to 2019, which was more pronounced in participants with higher income. Accordingly, a trend in healthier food choices was observed followed by a decline in 2024. Of note is the significant increase in red meat consumption (p < 0.05) in 2024 relative to 2021. Respondents who consumed more red meat were mostly men, employed, or in a stable relationship. Most respondents practiced sport "Never or occasionally" in 2019 and 2021 (59.4 and 55.2%, respectively); in 2024, this category was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced (40.9%); men or higher-income participants were more likely to meet the recommended activity levels.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals that the improvements in MD lifestyle during the pandemic were not sustained in 2024, as healthier habits formed during confinement were not fully integrated into long-term behavior. These findings strengthen the need for targeted public health interventions to promote the MD.

Are eco-sustainable dietary patterns associated with impulsiveness? An insight from Italy

Impulsivity is known to influence food choices. We explored possible differences in its expression between individuals with or without an eco-sustainable diet and its relationship with cognitions and behaviours about eco-sustainable foods. Participants were categorised as having or not having an eco-sustainable diet. Impulsivity traits and cognitions and behaviours about sustainable food products were measured. Among the 332 participants, 92.78% showed an eco-sustainable diet, whereas only 7.22% had an eco-sustainable diet. No difference between groups emerged about impulsive traits, whereas significant differences emerged in cognitions and behaviours about sustainable foods, with the only exceptions of subjective norms and past behaviour. Impulsive traits were linked to cognitions and behaviours differently within groups. Impulsivity traits may be related to actions towards eco-sustainable foods, with the perception of their availability playing a crucial role. Increasing contextual opportunities may be fundamental for having eco-sustainable consumers.