The Mediterranean diet is one of the few diets that has actually shown positive effects in decreasing likelihood of developing diabetes and other health-related issues. New information from the World Health Organization is now revealing that the Mediterranean region has some of the highest rates for childhood obesity in the world.

The WHO reported that Cyprus, Italy, Malta, Spain, San Marino, and Greece were among the highest out of the 34 countries in the Mediterranean region to see a vast increase in childhood obesity. Boys had higher rates than girls, with nearly one in five boys being obese.These rates are even higher than that of the United States where obesity affects 17% of children.

This increase in obesity is most likely due to the loss of the Mediterranean diet and decreased physical activity.The Mediterranean diet is known to include fish, red meat, and poultry, olive oils, and a high amount of plant-based foods. A study by the American Diabetes Association in 2011 showed that four years of following this diet decreased likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes by 52%.

In recent years, the diet of the people in this region has shifted towards more processed, sugary, and energy dense foods. This shift in dietary habits is most likely due to urbanization of the Mediterranean area. Increased rates of poverty in some of these countries may also be linked to increased intake of processed foods as well with many of the poorest European countries having the highest rates of childhood obesity.

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