Is the Mediterranean lifestyle still a reality? Evaluation of food consumption and energy expenditure in Italian and Spanish university students

Abstract

To evaluate the correspondence of diet and lifestyle to the Mediterranean model in two groups of Italian and Spanish university students. A cross-sectional nutritional survey to determine BMI, dietary habits (FFQ), energy daily expenditure and lifestyle (SenseWear Armband; BodyMedia Inc.), and to define the Mediterranean diet quality index (MDQI) in the different student groups. Bologna (Italy) and León (Spain). The survey was carried out on 210 (105 Italian; 105 Spanish) university students (mean age 27.0 (sd 3.8) years) of two different Mediterranean areas, Bologna (Italy) and León (Spain). The frequency of consumption of some food groups showed differences related to nationality and gender. Some classic Mediterranean foods such as cereals and vegetables were generally consumed more frequently by Italian students; others such as fish and pulses by Spanish students. Percentage of overweight was higher among Spanish students in spite of their higher physical activity level. Young generations seem to give up the traditional Mediterranean dietary pattern, adopting new dietary trends. Overweight appears to be related not only to physical activity level, but also to the poor MDQI.