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Many studies revealed positive health impacts of the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), especially on metabolic disorders. Conversely, in Lebanon, recent information about determinants of adherence to the MedDiet are limited. This study aimed to examine the individual determinants of MedDiet adherence among adults in Lebanon.

A cross-sectional study was carried out during July 2021 among a convenient sample of 326 Lebanese adults. Data from participants were collected via an online survey developed by study researchers, composed of two well-structured questionnaires: a background questionnaire and a 14-item Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (14-MEDAS).

The mean MedDiet score in the total sample was 7.59 ± 2.22, reflecting moderate/fair MedDiet adherence. Consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes and olive oil met the recommended MedDiet intake among most participants. Older age and having a regular routine of physical activity emerged as significant independent determinants of better MedDiet adherence.

Future public health interventions aiming at promoting MedDiet adherence shall target predominantly younger age groups of the Lebanese population and incorporate strategies to boost physical activity among target groups.

The relationship between adherence to a Mediterranean diet and reduced mortality or a lower incidence of major chronic diseases has been widely studied. The purpose of this study was to assess the adherence of a Lebanese adult sample to the Mediterranean diet.

This cross-sectional dietary survey involved a Lebanese population sample aged 19 to 70 years. A total of 615 men and women were asked to fill a diet history questionnaire (144 items), assisted by trained nutrition research assistants. Data were analyzed and compared to the Mediterranean diet recommendations, and the Mediterranean diet score, a ten-point scale based on above and below median levels of consumption, was estimated.

There was no significant difference in terms of adherence between men and women participants below the age of 30 years, while women over 30 years had a poorer score than men within this age group. The surveyed sample was found to have a 4.2 Mediterranean diet score and, thus, has a low adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern. Consumption of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, legumes and nuts of this Lebanese sample met the Mediterranean diet recommendations, while whole grains, poultry and fish consumption was lower than the recommended Mediterranean diet intake, and meat consumption was found to be much higher than what was recommended.

Facing the fast increase in non-communicable disease incidence, and with a more spread Western-type culture, it is central to raise awareness about the role of traditional Mediterranean diet in preventing and protecting against these diseases. This study contributes to the limited literature on the adherence to the Mediterranean diet in Lebanon.

This study aims to quantify the dietary intake of different fat classes in Lebanese adults, compare the intakes between adult age groups and gender and compare the intakes to the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. Despite the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet, the diet of Lebanese adults may be altered away from the typical dietary lipid profile, possibly by the increased consumption of trans fatty acids (TFAs) and the ratio of omega 6 (n-6) to omega 3 (n-3) fatty acids.

This is a cross-sectional survey conducted on 657 Lebanese adults (19-70 years) who completed the USA National Institute of Health diet history questionnaire.

Mean daily energy intake was estimated at 2,900 ± 1,466 kcal in men and 1,977 ± 902 kcal in women. Mean TFA consumption was significantly higher in men than in women (7.2 ± 1.9 and 6.8 ± 2.0 per cent of total fat, p < 0.001) and was at least double the WHO recommendations of 1 per cent of total energy, particularly among younger adults. The n-6 to n-3 fatty acid intake ratio, fluctuated around 9:1 in both genders and in all age groups and is higher than the maximum 5-to-1 ratio recommended by WHO. The mean intake of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid was significantly lower than the latest recommendations (147 ± 182 mg/day for men and 100 ± 155 mg/day for women).

Limited data exists on the quantity and quality of fat consumed among Lebanese adults. In conclusion, this descriptive study estimated the quantity of different fat classes consumed and compared the intakes of critical fatty acids to the WHO recommendations. Future studies need to address the implications of the high intakes of TFA and n-6 to n-3 ratio on health outcomes, including cardiometabolic diseases in our population.