Changes in traditional dietary practices since the introduction of Western and industrial foods to Mediterranean regions have posed a major threat to one of the most popular diets in the world. Epidemiological data consistently indicate that adherence to the Mediterranean Diet is progressively decreasing worldwide, with dramatic falls observed in the Mediterranean regions. Moreover, the lowest rates of adherence are seen in the younger segments of the population, and this is of particular concern for long-term health outcomes.

The “Study and promotion of the Mediterranean Diet” Working Group of the Italian Society of Human Nutritionhas been recently established to outline a map of adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in various areas of Italy, looking for potential geographical and socioeconomic gaps, which could be useful to set effective public health strategies aimed at restoring healthy dietary habits in line with the Mediterranean Diet. The analyses will include populations of children, adults and the elderly. This goal will be achieved by a systematic review of the literature, and data will also be used for summary documents, position papers and informative material.

The working group is also committed to realize successful community outreach programs aimed at empowering and informing community members by providing valuable knowledge on the Mediterranean Diet. The unique needs of more vulnerable populations will be also addressed.  

This Italian initiative could hopefully extend to other Mediterranean countries in the FENS, for common research and promotion activities aimed at bringing the Mediterranean diet back to the center of community interest.