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Mediterranean diet adherence, body composition, and recovery outcomes in hospitalised COVID-19 patients: a
Kaja Teraž1, Boštjan Šimunič1, Rado Pišot1
1Institute for Kinesiology Research, Science and Research Centre Koper, Koper, Slovenia.
Introduction:
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of nutritional and lifestyle factors in recovery from severe illness, yet their role in post-hospitalization rehabilitation remains insufficiently understood.
Methods:
This study investigated the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet, body composition, and recovery-related outcomes in individuals following severe COVID-19 using an explanatory mixed-methods design. Thirty-nine patients were assessed at hospital discharge and after 8 weeks of unsupervised rehabilitation in a single-centre prospective cohort study conducted in Slovenia (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04860206, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04860206).
Results:
Quantitative analyses showed a significant increase in fat-free mass over time and positive associations between fat-free mass and adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Qualitative findings further revealed that individuals with higher adherence demonstrated structured routines, adaptive coping strategies, and greater psychosocial resilience during recovery.
Discussion:
Together, these findings suggest that adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern, alongside related lifestyle behaviors, may support favorable body composition and enhance recovery processes following severe illness. This study provides an integrated perspective on physiological and behavioral determinants of recovery, highlighting the potential of nutrition-based approaches in post-COVID-19 rehabilitation.
