The Mediterranean diet is renowned for its health benefits, and now a new study has found that sticking to this diet may also reduce the risk of obesity-related cancers. The European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study conducted research that showed a 6% lower cancer risk among participants with high adherence to the Mediterranean diet, regardless of adiposity measures.
The study, titled “Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Obesity-Linked Cancer Risk in EPIC,” was published in JAMA Network Open. It focused on the incidence of obesity-related cancers as classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer criteria in 2015. The study enrolled over 500,000 participants aged 35 to 70 across 23 centers in 10 European countries between 1992 and 2000.
Participants’ dietary intake was assessed using validated country-specific questionnaires, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet was calculated using a 9-point Mediterranean Diet Score (MedDiet). Participants were categorized into low, medium, or high adherence groups based on their scores. The study utilized multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models to adjust for potential confounders like smoking, physical activity, and education.
The results of the study showed that high adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a lower risk of obesity-related cancers, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.94 compared to low adherence. Medium adherence also showed a similar though statistically insignificant inverse association. Interestingly, no significant mediation by body mass index (BMI) or waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) was observed in the results.
Site-specific analyses revealed even more promising results, with high adherence to the Mediterranean diet showing inverse associations with colorectal, hepatocellular, and kidney cancer risks. These findings suggest that following the Mediterranean diet may not only promote overall health but also reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
In conclusion, the Mediterranean diet continues to prove its benefits for health and well-being. By incorporating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats into your diet, you may be able to lower your risk of obesity-related cancers and improve your overall health in the long run.
