Cut it out: why Spain’s diet is better than fad diets

A Mediterranean diet high in healthy fats has been found, in one study at least, to aid weight loss.

Cutting out fat from one’s diet may seem, at first glance, a sure way to lose weight, but a recent study by the University of Barcelona has found that the presence of certain fats – namely those found in the Mediterranean diet – can actually aid weight loss…

A trial conducted by the university enrolled 7,500 overweight and obese people and placed them on a “healthy fat” diet, which included lashings of olive oil, nuts, oily fish and even certain cuts of red meat.

The study found that all of those who were placed on this diet did not gain more weight than those who attempted to cut back on fat altogether. The findings echo previous studies that have extolled the virtues of Spain’s Mediterranean diet – which is comprised of plenty of fruit, vegetables, olives and fresh fish.

“Our trial demonstrates that a high-fat, high vegetable diet such as a Mediterranean diet does not promote weight gain,” said the university’s Ramon Estruch. However, the narrow band of those selected for the trial – all overweight Caucasian and aged between 55-80 – has been criticised in some quarters, with some commentators warning that certain health advice may not apply to some age ranges or races.

While Spain’s Mediterranean diet has been proven to lower cholesterol and increase life expectancy, certain elements – such as the fats found in Jamón Ibérico – could exacerbate some pre-existing ailments. Further, the fact that already-overweight people did not put on more weight during the study can be placed on a range of factors, not merely diet, critics have pointed out.

However, there does appear to be consensus on some things, such as the agreement that a diet high in carbohydrates can lead to weight gain, and the fats and sugars found in processed meat, desserts, many fast foods and sweetened drinks are widely derided among the nutrition community.