Effects of the Mediterranean diet with and without weight loss on eating behaviors in men with metabolic syndrome

Abstract

This study examined the impact of the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) consumed under controlled feeding conditions in the absence and presence of weight loss on eating behaviors as measured by the Three‐Factor‐Eating‐Questionnaire in men with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Nineteen men, aged between 24 and 62 years with MetS (NCEP‐ATPIII criteria) first consumed a 5‐week standardized North American control diet followed by a 5‐week MedDiet both under weight‐maintaining conditions. This was followed by a 20‐week caloric restriction weight loss period in free‐living conditions. Participants were finally subjected to a 5‐week weight‐loss maintenance phase during which they consumed the MedDiet under controlled feeding isoenergetic conditions. The MedDiet in the absence of weight loss had no impact on eating behaviors. Body weight reduction by caloric restriction (−10% of initial weight) increased dietary total restraint (p<0.0001), rigid restraint (p=0.003) and attitude to self‐regulation (p=0.05) and reduced disinhibition (p=0.02) and susceptibility to hunger (p=0.01). Feeding the MedDiet for 5 weeks under isoenergetic conditions after the weight loss phase had no further impact on eating behaviors. These data suggest that consumption of the MedDiet has no effect on eating behaviors, unless it is accompanied by significant weight loss.