Bohemia, NY (PRWEB) March 14, 2014
Bellucci Premium, a high quality Tuscan olive oil producer, comments on an article published by Olive Oil Times that discusses a study of different Mediterranean diet variations that can help people lose weight in twelve months and maintain their new lowered weight.
In an article published by Olive Oil Times on March 6th titled “Mediterranean Diet Effective for Weight Loss, Study Finds,” the results of a twelve-month, three-phase Mediterranean diet are discussed. The prevalence of obesity and related health complications are a major concern in the US today. Within the 35.7% of the population trying to escape obesity, the most common struggle is maintaining weight that has been lost.
For the study, 89 obese participants had a strict guideline of a solely Mediterranean diet. “In the first 20 days of the study, the subjects were on a ketogenic, or very low carbohydrate version, of the Mediterranean diet that provided only 30 grams of carbohydrates, and 976 calories, most of which came from proteins and fat.” This phase of the diet focused more on raw eating, protein and vegetables and cutting out bread, rice, and pasta. The second 20-day phase followed a similar diet, but allowed for an increased “91 grams of carbohydrates and an average of 1,111 calories.” After these 40 days the participants lost around 10 kilograms on average.
For the following four months “the subjects were on a normal Mediterranean diet, which provided 261 grams of carbohydrates and 1,800 calories. During this third, or maintenance, phase of the study, subjects included all foods that make up the Mediterranean diet: whole grain bread, pasta, whole wheat, rice, potatoes, eggs, poultry, fish, meat, vegetables, legumes, fruits, olive oil, whole milk and wine.” This cycle was repeated again. After twelve months, the participants maintained an average weight loss of 16 kilograms.
After seeing the majority of the weight loss in the first two phases of the diet each time around, the main focus of the study was to see how the weight loss could be maintained while following a normal Mediterranean diet. Since the majority of the participants that adhered to the diet at the end of twelve months did not regain the weight, the study gives promising hope to those looking for maintained weight loss. In addition to cutting down body fat percentages, the diet significantly lowered “total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose.”
Natalie Sexenian, marketing manager for organic olive oil producer Bellucci Premium, says, “When obesity is combated, the risk of developing other diseases like cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes is significantly reduced. The Mediterranean diet is perfect for anyone looking to lose weight and live a healthy lifestyle because of its focus on proteins, healthy fats, and fruits and vegetables, and its restrictions on sugar, white flour, and dairy.”
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