Review finds inconsistent weight-loss benefits of Mediterranean diet after menopause

A systematic review published in Menopause assessed whether adherence to a Mediterranean diet supports weight loss in postmenopausal women, a population at increased risk of weight gain and cardiometabolic disease. Researchers searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for studies published through January 2026, following PRISMA guidelines for screening, extraction, and analysis.

The review included two randomized controlled trials and one observational study, totaling 282 participants. Qualitative synthesis showed mixed findings, with no consistent superiority of the Mediterranean diet across body weight, fat mass, or lean mass outcomes. The studies differed in design, dietary intervention protocols, participant characteristics, and follow-up duration. The supplied report did not provide numerical estimates of weight change.

The authors caution that Mediterranean diet counseling alone, without explicit energy restriction or other structured weight-management strategies, should not be assumed to produce clinically meaningful reductions in weight or fat mass. The small number of studies, limited sample sizes, and methodological differences constrain the strength of the evidence and assessment of long-term benefits.