Researchers at Son Espace University Hospital reported that combining the Mediterranean diet with regular exercise can improve body composition in adults over 55 who are obese and have metabolic syndrome. The findings appeared in JAMA Network Open.
The study enrolled 1,500 overweight adults aged 55 and older who exhibited metabolic syndrome symptoms but did not have diabetes. Metabolic syndrome often presents as high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and unfavorable cholesterol levels, and it raises the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group followed a calorie-restricted Mediterranean pattern with a 30 percent energy reduction and engaged in structured physical activity. The control group followed the same diet but did not receive guidance on physical activity. The Mediterranean diet emphasizes plant-based foods, healthy fats from olive oil, nuts, and fish, and limits red meat.
Among those who combined diet and exercise, total fat mass declined by an average of 1.7 kilograms per year, while visceral fat decreased by 154 grams. Visceral fat is a key risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Muscle mass also increased in this group, a benefit especially meaningful for older adults facing age-related muscle loss. These changes indicate a favorable shift in body composition, a pattern not seen in the control group.
Approximately one in twelve participants who followed the diet plus activity showed a notable reduction in visceral fat, and about one in seventeen demonstrated meaningful gains in muscle mass. These findings highlight how individuals may respond differently to the same lifestyle approach.
The researchers suggest that pairing a calorie-controlled Mediterranean diet with regular exercise may improve body composition by lowering total and visceral fat while increasing muscle mass. The results are likely applicable to non-diabetic older adults with higher BMI and metabolic syndrome, offering a practical strategy for managing these conditions in older populations. (Source attribution: JAMA Network Open)
Additionally, the study underscores the potential role of lifestyle changes in reducing cardiovascular risk factors and improving metabolic health in seniors. It also points to the importance of personalized plans, as individual responses to diet and exercise can vary. Future work may explore how different exercise types and meal patterns influence long-term outcomes and whether these benefits extend to broader groups, including those with established diabetes or kidney concerns. (Source attribution: JAMA Network Open)
In the broader context of preventive health for older adults, these findings align with ongoing recommendations that emphasize a nutrient-rich diet and regular physical activity. They also add a nuanced perspective on how modest caloric reductions, combined with mindful dietary choices and movement, can translate into measurable changes in body composition and metabolic health as people age. (Source attribution: JAMA Network Open)