https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Index ${session.getAttribute("locale")} 5 Feasibility of the AusMed Diet Program: translating the Mediterranean Diet for older Australians https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:45114 n = 17) presentation of program materials with surveys after each section. In-depth individual semi-structured interviews (n = 6) were then conducted. All participants reported increased knowledge and confidence in adherence to the MEDI, with the majority preferring a booklet format (70%) and group delivery (58%). Three themes emerged from interviews—1. barriers (complexity, perceived cost and food preferences), 2. additional support and 3. individualisation of materials. Program materials were modified accordingly. Phase 2 was a 2-week trial of the modified program (n = 15). Participants received a group counselling session, program manual and food hamper. Adherence to the MEDI was measured by the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS). All participants increased their adherence after the 2-week trial, from a mean score of 5.4 ± 2.4 (low adherence) to a mean score of 9.6 ± 2.0 (moderate to high adherence). All found that text message support helped achieve their goals and were confident to continue the dietary change]]> Wed 26 Oct 2022 13:03:08 AEDT ]]> Older Australians can achieve high adherence to the Mediterranean diet during a 6 month randomised intervention; results from the Medley study https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:30709 p < 0.01). Measures of compliance including serum β-carotene, lycopene and erythrocyte monounsaturated fatty acids were significantly higher in the MedDiet group at three and six months (p < 0.05). Our results indicate that a population of older Australians can adopt a Mediterranean diet over a six month period]]> Wed 11 Apr 2018 11:30:34 AEST ]]> Ad libitum Mediterranean diet reduces subcutaneous but not visceral fat in patients with coronary heart disease: a randomised controlled pilot study https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:48322 0.05). Within the MedDiet group only, the proportion of participants taking beta-blocker medication reduced from baseline to 6-months (71% vs. 56%, p-trend = 0.007). Conclusions: Adherence to 6-month ad libitum MedDiet reduced subcutaneous fat and waist circumference which discounts the misconception that this healthy but high fat diet leads to body fat gain. The effect of MedDiet on body fat distribution and consequent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, as well as need for medications, in patients with CHD warrants exploration in larger studies. Clinically significant effects on these markers may require adjunct exercise and/or caloric restriction. Trial registration: ACTRN12616000156482.]]> Tue 14 Mar 2023 16:21:47 AEDT ]]>