TY - JOUR
T1 - Defining the Traditional Mediterranean Lifestyle
T2 - Joint International Consensus Statement
AU - Sidossis, Labros S.
AU - Lawson, Rob
AU - Aprilakis, Emmanuel
AU - Barata, Bernardo C.
AU - Baska, Alicja
AU - Beneka, Anastasia
AU - Bird, Robert
AU - Birrell, Fraser
AU - Chatzinikola, Charistoula
AU - Chondronikola, Maria
AU - Chrousos, George P.
AU - Conduit, Russell
AU - Constantinou, Constantina
AU - de Courten, Barbora
AU - Cvejic, Jelena Helene
AU - Davis, Andrew M.
AU - Demetriou, Christiana A.
AU - Errington, Linda
AU - Feehan, Jack
AU - Figueroa, Catalina
AU - Flynn, Mary M.
AU - Frates, Beth
AU - Kabthymer, Robel Hussen
AU - Karagounis, Leonidas G.
AU - Karimi, Leila
AU - Kennedy, Gerard A.
AU - Kolokotroni, Ourania
AU - Korovljev, Darinka
AU - Kouris‐Blazos, Antigone
AU - Kushkestani, Mehdi
AU - Kyriakides, Tassos C.
AU - Hutanu, Emanuela Mercore
AU - Mosquera, Maria Cecilia
AU - Nikiphorou, Elena
AU - O'Brien, Nicola
AU - Philippou, Elena
AU - Piątek, Karolina
AU - Poole, Simon
AU - Popescu‐Spineni, Dana
AU - Radd‐Vagenas, Sue
AU - Sidossis, Amalia
AU - Simonis, Magdalena
AU - Soultanakis, Helen
AU - Telinga, Aleksandra
AU - Tierney, Audrey
AU - Tkacz, Anna
AU - Vlachopoulos, Dimitris
AU - Yaman‐Dent, Gulnur
AU - Yap, Yang
AU - Zervides, Zoe
AU - Itsiopoulos, Catherine
PY - 2024/8/16
Y1 - 2024/8/16
N2 - Introduction: The term “Mediterranean lifestyle” has gained increasing prominence in recent years, yet a specific definition remains elusive. In response, the Mediterranean Lifestyle Medicine Institute Board of Directors convened a multidisciplinary panel comprising international experts and leaders in lifestyle medicine. Their goal was to review existing literature and formulate a consensus definition of the “traditional Mediterranean lifestyle (tMedL),” referring to the historical way of living of the people in the Mediterranean region. This paper presents the agreed consensus statement and a comprehensive holistic definition of the term “traditional Mediterranean lifestyle.” Methods: Major medical and social sciences electronic databases from inception to February 2023 were searched, employing keywords relevant to the Mediterranean lifestyle and its constituent elements (diet, physical activity, sleep, stress, socialization). Subsequently, definitions for each pillar were created and synthesized to derive a comprehensive definition of the “traditional Mediterranean lifestyle.” Results: This proposed definition received ratification from the Mediterranean Lifestyle Medicine Institute's expert working group during the First International Mediterranean Lifestyle Medicine Conference held in June 2023 on the island of Leros, Greece. “The traditional Mediterranean lifestyle is characterized by its diverse and adaptable nature. Key facets encompass conviviality, lifelong social connectedness, purposeful living, strong community and familial bonds, harmony with nature and the environment, profound spirituality, adherence to religious practices, preservation of local customs, resilience cultivated through adversity, and a commitment to moderation across all spheres of life.” Conclusions: This definition comprehensively outlines the primary lifestyle factors ingrained in Mediterranean inhabitants across generations. Its holistic nature furnishes a crucial conceptual framework for directing lifestyle medicine practitioners in assisting patients to mitigate diseases, promote overall well‐being, devise research initiatives to investigate the health ramifications of this lifestyle, and inform curriculum development.
AB - Introduction: The term “Mediterranean lifestyle” has gained increasing prominence in recent years, yet a specific definition remains elusive. In response, the Mediterranean Lifestyle Medicine Institute Board of Directors convened a multidisciplinary panel comprising international experts and leaders in lifestyle medicine. Their goal was to review existing literature and formulate a consensus definition of the “traditional Mediterranean lifestyle (tMedL),” referring to the historical way of living of the people in the Mediterranean region. This paper presents the agreed consensus statement and a comprehensive holistic definition of the term “traditional Mediterranean lifestyle.” Methods: Major medical and social sciences electronic databases from inception to February 2023 were searched, employing keywords relevant to the Mediterranean lifestyle and its constituent elements (diet, physical activity, sleep, stress, socialization). Subsequently, definitions for each pillar were created and synthesized to derive a comprehensive definition of the “traditional Mediterranean lifestyle.” Results: This proposed definition received ratification from the Mediterranean Lifestyle Medicine Institute's expert working group during the First International Mediterranean Lifestyle Medicine Conference held in June 2023 on the island of Leros, Greece. “The traditional Mediterranean lifestyle is characterized by its diverse and adaptable nature. Key facets encompass conviviality, lifelong social connectedness, purposeful living, strong community and familial bonds, harmony with nature and the environment, profound spirituality, adherence to religious practices, preservation of local customs, resilience cultivated through adversity, and a commitment to moderation across all spheres of life.” Conclusions: This definition comprehensively outlines the primary lifestyle factors ingrained in Mediterranean inhabitants across generations. Its holistic nature furnishes a crucial conceptual framework for directing lifestyle medicine practitioners in assisting patients to mitigate diseases, promote overall well‐being, devise research initiatives to investigate the health ramifications of this lifestyle, and inform curriculum development.
KW - exercise
KW - sleep pattern
KW - social/emotional support
KW - lifestyle choices
KW - diet
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85201287446&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1002/lim2.115
DO - 10.1002/lim2.115
M3 - Review article
SN - 2688-3740
VL - 5
JO - Lifestyle Medicine
JF - Lifestyle Medicine
IS - 4
M1 - e115
ER -