Italians drift from Mediterranean diet

[WORLD] Despite its origins in Italy, the Mediterranean diet is no longer the dominant eating pattern for many Italians. Recent studies reveal only moderate adherence, with growing concerns about a shift toward more Westernized, less healthy diets—especially among younger generations.

Italians and the Mediterranean Diet: A Changing Relationship

The Mediterranean diet, renowned for its health benefits and cultural significance, has long been associated with Italian cuisine. Characterized by high consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, olive oil, moderate fish and poultry, and low intake of red meat and processed foods, the diet has been lauded globally as a model of healthy eating. Yet, evidence suggests that Italians themselves are increasingly moving away from this traditional pattern.

Key Findings from Recent Studies

Moderate Adherence Dominates:

According to the 2023-2024 ARIANNA survey, which assessed the dietary habits of over 3,700 Italian adults, 83.8% of respondents exhibited medium adherence to the Mediterranean diet, while only 4.9% showed high adherence and 11.3% had low adherence. This trend is echoed in other large-scale studies, which consistently report a moderate or even low level of adherence among the Italian population.

Generational and Socioeconomic Gaps:

The ARIANNA study found that women, younger adults (aged 17–40), students, and those following vegetarian or vegan diets were more likely to adhere closely to the Mediterranean pattern. In contrast, men, individuals over 40, workers, and the unemployed were less likely to follow the diet. Other research highlights that Italian adolescents and children show particularly low adherence, with only 5% of primary school children and 16% of high school students classified as having good adherence.

Regional and Lifestyle Variations:

Dietary patterns vary significantly by region, with less healthy, more Westernized diets more prevalent in northern Italy and among males. The trend toward eating out, increased portion sizes, and higher consumption of refined carbohydrates, red meat, and sugary foods has contributed to this shift.

The Westernization of Italian Eating Habits

Economic and Cultural Influences

Experts point to several factors behind the decline in Mediterranean diet adherence:

Economic Pressures: Economic downturns and rising food costs have led many Italians to opt for cheaper, calorie-dense foods like pasta and sugar, rather than more expensive fish and fresh produce.

Globalization and Urbanization: The influence of global food trends and urban lifestyles has introduced more processed foods, snacks, and sugary drinks into the Italian diet, particularly among younger people.

Changing Meal Patterns: While most Italians still eat lunch at home and value traditional meals, there is a growing trend toward eating out, fast food, and convenience foods, especially in urban areas and among the youth.

Health Implications: Rising Overweight and Obesity Rates

The shift away from the Mediterranean diet has coincided with rising rates of overweight and obesity in Italy. National data show that 29.7% of children, 22.6% of adolescents, and 42.9% of adults are classified as overweight or obese. The increased consumption of red meat, cheese, poultry, and processed foods—often at the expense of vegetables, legumes, and fish—has been identified as a key factor in this trend.

Public Perception and Policy Challenges

Misconceptions About the Mediterranean Diet

There is a widespread belief in Italy that all traditional Italian foods are inherently part of the Mediterranean diet, a narrative sometimes exploited by food industry lobbies and politicians. This misconception can obscure the reality that many popular Italian products, especially processed meats and cheeses, do not align with the health principles of the Mediterranean diet.

Policy Responses and Labeling Controversies

Efforts to promote healthier eating have encountered resistance. For example, Italy has opposed the EU's Nutri-Score front-of-pack labeling system, arguing that it unfairly penalizes traditional Italian products. Critics argue that better consumer education is needed to clarify what constitutes a balanced Mediterranean diet and to encourage healthier choices.

Looking Ahead: Opportunities for Improvement

Public Health Interventions

Researchers and public health officials emphasize the need for targeted interventions to reverse the decline in Mediterranean diet adherence. Strategies include:

Nutrition Education: Promoting awareness of the health benefits and core components of the Mediterranean diet, especially among young people and men.

School and Workplace Initiatives: Introducing more fruits, vegetables, and healthy options in schools and workplaces while limiting access to sugary snacks and drinks.

Policy Support: Aligning national dietary guidelines and food labeling systems with evidence-based recommendations to support healthier food environments.

While the Mediterranean diet remains a cultural touchstone in Italy, actual adherence among Italians is now only moderate, with clear signs of a shift toward Westernized eating patterns. This trend is most pronounced among younger generations and in certain regions, raising concerns about long-term health outcomes. Addressing these challenges will require coordinated efforts in education, policy, and community engagement to help Italians reclaim the health benefits of their culinary heritage.