Almost 30% of Spaniards are obese and prone to developing cardiovascular problems.
Six out of ten Spaniards are overweight , according to data from the OECD report "The Heavy Burden of Obesity," published in 2019. The report even states that almost 30% of Spaniards are obese. According to WHO data, this is a major epidemic that may affect around 650 million people worldwide . This public health problem is brought to light every March 4th with the celebration of World Obesity Day.
A healthy lifestyle is essential to avoid these problems. In this regard, experts indicate the following as healthier models: the Mediterranean diet, which is based on a high consumption of vegetables , fruits, legumes, fish, a moderate intake of meats, and with olive oil as the main source of fat.
Contrary to popular belief, a diet rich in healthy fats helps control our weight. This is demonstrated by the PREDIMED Study , as explained by its coordinator, Dr. Ramón Estruch, on the COPE radio network:
“When PREDIMED was designed, we saw that 90% of the participants were overweight or obese. This concerned us because, with a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil and nuts, we were providing significantly more calories than the control group, which didn't consume oil or nuts. We were worried about what would happen to their weight and waist circumference, two vascular risk factors. What we have observed in a very long follow-up period, averaging five years, is that people even lost weight in the groups that primarily consumed olive oil, and they maintained their waist circumference, which is a success from a public health perspective.”
Based on the results of the study, Dr. Estruch has no doubt that:
"Obese or overweight people should not be afraid to follow a Mediterranean diet, which logically includes extra virgin olive oil and nuts."
Scientific endorsement
The Mediterranean diet is supported by science and has proven its benefits beyond any doubt.
“There are many diets, with results that can be beneficial in the short term. What we have demonstrated is that, in the long term, the best diet for achieving cardiovascular benefits, without negatively impacting weight and abdominal circumference, is the Mediterranean diet. And this is becoming increasingly accepted by the international community. It has been difficult to convince the English-speaking world that our diet is the best, but they are now convinced, and PREDIMED has been a great help.”
Sources of the article: https://www.cope.es/emisoras/andalucia/jaen-provincia/jaen/noticias/dieta-mediterranea-con-aceite-oliva-virgen-extra-muy-eficaz-contra-obesidad-20210303_1169560