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Mediterranean Diet and Physical Exercise for Cardiometabolic Health: A Narrative Review

Mohammad Aminullah Nurain Binti1, Mónika Fekete2, János Tamás Varga1

  • 1Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary.

Nutrients
|August 13, 2026
PubMed

Insights

The Mediterranean diet (MD) and physical activity are beneficial for heart health, but their combined effects on cardiometabolic health require further investigation. More research is needed to confirm additive or synergistic benefits.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Nutritional Science
  • Exercise Physiology

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major global health concern.
  • The Mediterranean diet (MD) and physical activity are key for cardiovascular prevention.
  • Evidence on their combined cardiometabolic effects is inconsistent.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and synthesize current research on the combined impact of the Mediterranean diet and physical exercise on cardiometabolic health.
  • To critically evaluate the joint role of these lifestyle factors in preventing cardiovascular disease.

Main Methods:

  • A narrative review of studies published between 2016 and 2026.
  • Searches conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus.
  • Focused on 10 key human studies, including randomized trials and observational cohorts.

Main Results:

  • Studies generally show positive effects on body weight, blood pressure, glucose, and lipids.
  • One study indicated reduced cardiovascular medication initiation with combined adherence.
  • Independent effects of diet and exercise were often difficult to distinguish.

Conclusions:

  • The Mediterranean diet and physical activity are likely complementary for cardiometabolic prevention.
  • Current evidence does not confirm consistent additive or synergistic effects.
  • Further rigorous studies are needed to clarify combined impacts across diverse populations.
Abstract

Keywords:
Mediterranean dietcardiometabolic healthcardiovascular diseaseexerciselifestyle interventionnarrative reviewphysical activity

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