Evidence mapPaperPMID 41830002Full record

Observational studyNutrients2026

Mediterranean Lifestyle Adherence Reflects Coherent Behavioural Patterns Based on the MEDLIFE Index.

Giorgio Bertolazzi, Salvatore Gagliardo, Francesco Saverio Ragusa, Nicola Veronese, Mario Barbagallo, Ligia J Dominguez

Abstract readObservational Study
In one paragraph

Observational study in Nutrients, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Giorgio BertolazziDepartment of Medicina and Surgery, Kore University of Enna, 94100 Enna, Italy.ORCID 0000-0001-7328-9675
Salvatore GagliardoDepartment of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy.ORCID 0000-0003-0444-7670
Francesco Saverio RagusaGeriatric Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, University of Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy.
Nicola VeroneseFaculty of Medicine, Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, 00131 Rome, Italy.ORCID 0000-0002-9328-289X
Mario BarbagalloGeriatric Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, University of Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy.ORCID 0000-0002-1349-6530
Ligia J DominguezGeriatric Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, University of Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy.ORCID 0000-0003-1466-8610

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

BACKGROUND/

objectivesThe Mediterranean diet (MeDiet) is widely recognised as one of the healthiest dietary patterns, associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases and increased longevity. Beyond its nutritional components, the Mediterranean lifestyle encompasses a broader set of culturally rooted behaviours that may contribute to its health benefits. This study aimed to assess adherence to the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle using the MEDLIFE index and to explore how dietary and lifestyle behaviours cluster into coherent behavioural patterns.

methodsWe conducted an observational study among undergraduate students in health and sports sciences and a comparison group of older adults, using an anonymous questionnaire based on the MEDLIFE index. Data were analysed using a pattern-based approach combining network analysis and score-based enrichment to characterise behavioural profiles associated with different levels of Mediterranean lifestyle adherence.

resultsNetwork-based analyses revealed a high degree of internal coherence among dietary and lifestyle behaviours traditionally associated with the Mediterranean lifestyle. In particular, dietary restraint behaviours (e.g., limitation of sugar, salt, and snack consumption) systematically co-occurred with recommended Mediterranean food choices, indicating that positive intake and self-regulation are part of a unified behavioural framework. Score-based stratification confirmed these patterns at the individual level, with low adherence characterised by the absence of key Mediterranean components and unhealthy lifestyle habits, and high adherence reflecting an integrated profile combining healthy food choices, moderation, and lifestyle practices.

conclusionsAdherence to the Mediterranean diet reflects a holistic lifestyle strategy rather than a collection of isolated dietary behaviours. These findings support public health approaches that target coherent behavioural patterns, integrating diet, self-regulation, and lifestyle habits, rather than focusing exclusively on individual dietary components.

Indexed as

Diet, MediterraneanFeeding BehaviorHealth BehaviorLife StyleAdultAgedFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedSurveys and QuestionnairesYoung AdultdietlifestyleMediterranean dietMEDLIFEnetwork analysisphysical activity

Identifiers

PMID41830002
PMCPMC12986932

What Socratic holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.