Relationship between Mediterranean Diet and Phase Angle in a Sample of Patients with Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome.

Introduction: The potential influence of a Mediterranean diet (MD) on PhA values has been little researched. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between adherence of a MD and PhA on adult sample population with obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in 331 patients with obesity and metabolic syndrome. Anthropometrics' data (weight, height, body mass index, and waist circumference), bioelectrical bioimpedance (BIA) parameters (resistance reactance, PhA, fat mass [FM], fat-free mass [FFM], skeletal muscle mass [SMM]), and biochemical parameters were recorded. Dietary intakes with a 3-day written food records and MD adherence with a validated 14-item questionnaire were evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups by median value of PhA.

Results: Percentage of patients with high MD adherence (score >7) in high PhA group was 77.2% and in low PhA group was 41.4% (odds ratio 1.91, 95% CI = 1.27-3.54; p = 0.01). Total fat intake (saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats), protein intake, and cholesterol intake were higher in high PhA group than low PhA group. Total score of MD was higher in high PhA than low PhA group (3.5 ± 1.1 points; p = 0.04). FFM (3.3 ± 0.9 kg; p = 0.01), FFM index (3.9 ± 1.1 kg/m2; p = 0.01), SMM (4.6 ± 1.2 kg; p = 0.01) and SMM index (3.3 ± 0.7 kg/m2; p = 0.03) were higher in subjects of high adherence of MD group than subjects of low adherence. FM (-3.2 ± 1.1 kg; p = 0.03) was lower in subjects with good adherence to MD. MD score (Beta 1.71, CI 95% 1.06-2.16), FFM (Beta 3.99, CI 95% 1.87-7.16), and SMM (Beta 4.21, CI 95% 1.76-8.19) remained in the multivariate model.

Conclusion: We concluded that a high adherence to a MD in subjects with obesity and metabolic syndrome is associated with values of PhA.