Abstract:
Background: Lifestyle and dietary habits are related to
better health and better physical function and fitness. Mediterranean diet is considered one of the healthy diet which
is recommended for athletes. The aim of the study was to
investigate the relationship between Mediterranean Diet
Adherence (AMD) and other healthy lifestyle indicators of
health among members of sport academy clubs from Hebron in Southern West Bank.
Methods: This study included the males participants
from 4 different sport academies in Hebron Southern West
Bank. Anthropometric measurements (weight and height)
were obtained to categorize the weight into underweight,
normal, overweight or obese according to WHO growth
charts. Dietary information were obtained using a questionnaire that captures adherence to Mediterranean diet. Physical performance fitness tests were used to measure level
fitness among participants. Analysis of data was performed
by SPSS TM, version 21.
Results: A Total 116 participants were included in the
study, The mean age 13 ± 3 years; 78 % of participants have
normal weight, 5% are classified as obese. 21.7% of the
students have a low AMD, 47% had a moderate AMD and
31.3% has a high AMD. Adherence to MD was not related to
body mass index or physical performance.
Conclusion: According to the findings of this study Adherence to MD was not associated with body weight and physical performance among the study sample.
