Enhance Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in an Italian Academic Setting: A Workplace Health Promotion Programme

Despite potential health benefits, workplace health promotion programmes still remain limited and varied. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a Mediterranean Diet (MD)-based intervention in improving the eating habits and the effects on anthropometric characteristics in a sample of University of Torino employees.

The study comprised 203 university employees (mean age of 47.1 ± 9.2 years, 66% females). At baseline (T0), MD adherence was assessed through the validated Medi-Lite questionnaire, anthropometric characteristics of height, weight and waist circumference were measured and body mass index (BMI) and waist to height ratio (WHtR) derived. The same measurements were repeated after 4 months (T1) to evaluate quantitative and qualitative changes in diet and anthropometric indicators.

After the intervention, the sample showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in adherence to the MD (T0 = 12.4 ± 2.2 vs. T1 = 13.0 ± 2.0) with higher consumption of vegetables (+12.8%), legumes (+10.3%) and fish (+10.8%). While no significant differences for body weight (-0.2 ± 2.3 kg) and BMI (-0.1 ± 0.9 kg/m²) were observed, a significant decrease in waist circumference (-1.3 ± 4.5 cm) and WHtR (-0.01 ± 0.03) emerged. Furthermore, improvements in MD adherence were associated with a lower risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases (according to WHtR) and vice versa.

The nutritional intervention significantly enhanced MD adherence and increased the consumption of its key food groups, including vegetables, legumes, and fish, while reducing waist circumference, WHtR and related risk factors.