Effect of Energy-Restricted Mediterranean Diet on Telomere Length in overweight and obese Individuals

Energy Restricted Mediterranean Diet is given to patients by dietician. They will be asked to consume Energy-restricted Mediterranean diet with 50-60% carbohydrates, 15-20% protein, and 25-30% fat. Diet lists were prepared by the dietician for the individuals participating in the study to consume Mediterranean diet for 8 weeks. According to personal preferences, daily planning was made as "3 main meals and 3 snacks" or "3 main meals and 2 snacks". Participants received training on the Mediterranean diet pyramid and recommendations for weekly and daily food group consumption. Diets were organized to ensure a Mediterranean diet score of at least 11 according to "Stefler D, Malyutina S, Kubinova R, Pajak A, Peasey A, Pikhart H, et al. Mediterranean diet score and total and cardiovascular mortality in Eastern Europe: the HAPIEE study. Eur J Nutr. 2017;56(1):421–9. ". The duration of the intervention is 8 weeks. The administration of the diet is done by dietician by face to face consultation. To assess the dietary adherence and body weight loss of the overweight and obese group, the researcher conducted biweekly interviews, monitored their body weight and composition, and engaged in weekly phone calls to evaluate their compliance with the diet and provide motivation. The dietitian assessed the individuals face-to-face with approximately half-hour interviews once every 15 days for 8 weeks. Telephone calls for evaluation and motivational purposes are approximately 15 minutes per week.