Defining the Traditional Mediterranean Lifestyle: Joint International Consensus Statement
Authors: Sidossis Labros S , Lawson Rob , Aprilakis Emmanuel , Barata Bernardo C. , Baska Alicja , Beneka Anastasia , Bird Robert , Birrell Fraser , Chatzinikola Charistoula , Chondronikola Maria , Chrousos George P , Conduit Russell , Constantinou Constantina , de Courten Barbora , Cvejic Jelena Helene , Davis Andrew M , Demetriou Christiana A. , Errington Linda , Feehan Jack , Figueroa Catalina , Flynn Mary M. , Frates Beth , Kabthymer Robel Hussen , Karagounis Leonidas G , Karimi Leila , Kennedy Gerard A. , Kolokotroni Ourania , Korovljev Darinka , Kouris‐Blazos Antigone , Kushkestani Mehdi , Kyriakides Tassos C. , Hutanu Emanuela Mercore , Mosquera Maria Cecilia , Nikiphorou Elena , O'Brien Nicola , Philippou Elena , Piątek Karolina , Poole Simon , Popescu‐Spineni Dana , Radd‐Vagenas Sue , Sidossis Amalia , Simonis Magdalena , Soultanakis Helen , Telinga Aleksandra , Tierney Audrey , Tkacz Anna , Vlachopoulos Dimitris , Yaman‐Dent Gulnur , Yap Yang , Zervides Zoe , Itsiopoulos Catherine 
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The term “Mediterranean lifestyle” has gained increasing prominence in recent years, yet a specific definition remains elusive. In response, the Mediterranean Lifestyle Medicine Institute Board of Directors convened a multidisciplinary panel comprising international experts and leaders in lifestyle medicine. Their goal was to review existing literature and formulate a consensus definition of the “traditional Mediterranean lifestyle (tMedL),” referring to the historical way of living of the people in the Mediterranean region. This paper presents the agreed consensus statement and a comprehensive holistic definition of the term “traditional Mediterranean lifestyle.”

Methods

Major medical and social sciences electronic databases from inception to February 2023 were searched, employing keywords relevant to the Mediterranean lifestyle and its constituent elements (diet, physical activity, sleep, stress, socialization). Subsequently, definitions for each pillar were created and synthesized to derive a comprehensive definition of the “traditional Mediterranean lifestyle.”

Results

This proposed definition received ratification from the Mediterranean Lifestyle Medicine Institute's expert working group during the First International Mediterranean Lifestyle Medicine Conference held in June 2023 on the island of Leros, Greece. “The traditional Mediterranean lifestyle is characterized by its diverse and adaptable nature. Key facets encompass conviviality, lifelong social connectedness, purposeful living, strong community and familial bonds, harmony with nature and the environment, profound spirituality, adherence to religious practices, preservation of local customs, resilience cultivated through adversity, and a commitment to moderation across all spheres of life.”

Conclusions

This definition comprehensively outlines the primary lifestyle factors ingrained in Mediterranean inhabitants across generations. Its holistic nature furnishes a crucial conceptual framework for directing lifestyle medicine practitioners in assisting patients to mitigate diseases, promote overall well‐being, devise research initiatives to investigate the health ramifications of this lifestyle, and inform curriculum development.