The role of overweight in the association between the Mediterranean diet and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a mediation analysis among 21 585 UK biobank participants

Abstract Background There is growing evidence that the Mediterranean (Medi) diet may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Whether this association is due to the Medi diet by itself or is mediated by a diet-associated lower rate of overweight is uncertain. Our aim was to disentangle these relationships among UK adults. Methods Based on 21 585 participants from the UK Biobank cohort, the adherence to the Medi diet (high fruits, vegetables, legumes, cereals, fish, olive oil; low meat, dairy products; and intermediate alcohol intakes) was assessed (range 0–18). Data on diabetes were self-reported, and overweight was defined as a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m². A mediation analys…