PhD defence Cécile Obeid

Keywords: Mediterranean diet, Determinants, Mediterranean countries, Economic crisis

"Mediterranean diet in Mediterranean countries: Studies on determinants of Adherence to the Mediterranean diet among healthy adults in Mediterranean countries – the case of Lebanon during the economic crisis"

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet—a dietary pattern known for its health and environmental benefits—has been declining in Mediterranean countries, including those where it originated. This PhD research aimed to understand how closely adults still follow this diet and what factors influence their ability to do so, with a particular focus on Lebanon.

The research combined reviews of existing international studies with new quantitative and qualitative research conducted in Lebanon. Overall, adherence to the Mediterranean diet was found to be low to moderate. The studies showed that people’s food choices are strongly shaped by practical factors such as food availability, affordability, convenience, and trust in food quality, especially during periods of economic crisis.

In Lebanon, the ongoing economic crisis has changed food environments and daily routines, sometimes making local, Mediterranean-style foods more accessible than imported products. The findings suggest that helping people follow a healthy diet requires making it easier in everyday life—by improving access to affordable, trustworthy, and convenient food options—rather than relying only on education or motivation.

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