A new study found that a Mediterranean-style diet, adapted for Southern food tastes, helped people lose about 10 pounds over two years. This "Med-South" diet worked as well for weight loss as WeightWatchers. However, it led to much better overall diet quality.
This research is part of the DELISH (Delicious Eating for Life in Southern Homes) study. It looked at whether a Mediterranean diet, adjusted for local culture, could help with weight loss and lower the risk of heart disease.
Researchers from UNC-Chapel Hill and other universities published their findings in JAMA Network Open. Dr. Thomas Keyserling and Dr. Carmen Samuel-Hodge led the study.
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Start Your News DetoxAdapting the Mediterranean Diet for Southern Tastes
The Southeastern U.S. faces high rates of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Diet plays a big role in these conditions.
Past studies show that diets rich in healthy fats (like nuts and vegetable oils) and good carbohydrates (like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables) can reduce heart disease risk. Mediterranean diets follow these rules, while also limiting refined carbs and processed foods.
However, traditional Mediterranean diet advice might not fit everyone's food preferences and traditions. To fix this, researchers created the Med-South Weight Loss Program. It uses Mediterranean principles but adapts them to Southern foods and tastes.
The Med-South diet encouraged two to six daily servings of healthy fats like nuts, fish, avocado, and vegetable oils. It also pushed for at least seven servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Participants were told to eat beans and nuts at least three times a week, fish weekly, and poultry often. They were asked to limit sugary drinks, sweets, pastries, and red or processed meats.
This program included familiar Southern foods such as peanuts, peanut butter, collard greens, barbecue, and modified hush puppies.
Comparing Two Weight Loss Programs
The study aimed to see if Med-South could lead to lasting weight loss and better diet quality over 24 months.
Three hundred sixty adults with a BMI of 30 or higher joined the study. They were split into two groups: the Med-South program or WeightWatchers.
Med-South participants went through three phases. First, they focused on improving diet quality. Then, they worked on weight loss while sticking to the Med-South eating style. Finally, they focused on keeping the weight off. The WeightWatchers group had access to workshops and digital tools for two years.
Researchers checked body weight, diet quality, and blood pressure at four, 12, and 24 months. They used food questionnaires and a "Veggie Meter" to measure diet quality. The Veggie Meter checks carotenoid levels in the skin, which show how much fruit and vegetables someone eats.
Better Diet Quality Without More Weight Loss
After 24 months, both groups lost weight and kept it off. On average, participants who completed the study lost about 4.5 kg, or roughly 10 pounds.
There was no big difference in weight loss or blood pressure reduction between Med-South and WeightWatchers. However, diet quality was clearly better in the Med-South group.
Med-South participants reported eating much better. They consumed more healthy fats, fewer carbohydrates, and scored higher on overall diet quality measures. Veggie Meter scores improved in both groups.
Dr. Keyserling noted that adding a healthy eating pattern to weight loss programs is important. He explained that while calorie-restricted diets can help with weight loss, a healthy diet offers extra benefits for preventing chronic diseases.
Deep Dive & References
Weight Loss Intervention Promoting an Adapted Mediterranean-Style Dietary Pattern: The DELISH Randomized Clinical Trial - JAMA Network Open, 2026
