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NCT Number: NCT07707414

Impact of a Short-Term Mediterranean-Style Diet on Health Indices

Emerging evidence suggests protective properties of a Mediterranean diet (MD) in relation to prevention and management of mood disorders. However, there is paucity of dietary interventions investigating adherence to MD and effects on mood and wellbeing in individuals without a clinical diagnosis. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of adherence to a short-term MD on mood and wellbeing in healthy adults

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Key information

Conditions

Healthy

Age range

35 year–64 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Roehampton, School of Life and Health Sciences

London, UK, SW15 4JD, United Kingdom

About this study

This is a 1-week, cross-over, randomised, controlled study investigating the effects of Mediterranean style diet on perceived mood and overall wellbeing in healthy adults. The intervention consists following daily for 1 week a Mediterranean style eating pattern. Participants are following their habitual diet during the control week. This is an investigator-initiated, randomised, cross-over, controlled study.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Habitual diet of low Mediterranean Diet (MD)adherence i.e. individuals with MD scoring ≤7 (low adherence) were included.
  • Living in UK

Exclusion criteria

  • pregnant or breastfeeding following a weight loss diet
  • diagnosed medical condition (diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, food allergies)
  • have any further health conditions which may cause you to react adversely whilst changing your diet.
  • diagnosed with a neurological impairment or psychiatric disorder
  • Current smoker (last 12 months)
  • history of substance abuse
  • taking dietary supplements
  • already following a Mediterranean style diet

Treatment and study plan

A mediterranean style diet

Other

At baseline, an Educational Group Session (EGS) introduced participants to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) principles to support adherence. The interactive EGS covered MD typical foods to consume and avoid, cooking methods, and practical shopping guidance. Following the EGS, participants adopted a Mediterranean-style diet for a period of 7 days. Participants were encouraged to follow the MD guidelines (replacing typical western foods with MD foods) without restricting energy intake; examples were provided during the EGS and with take-home resource materials which detailed 'simple swaps' or alternative MD food items to replace western food items.

Other names: MD

habitual diet

Other

participants were instructed to follow their habitual diet (control) and eating practices for 7 days. without restricting energy intake.

Primary outcomes

  1. Mood

    Time frame: Baseline and 7 days (final day of each condition) espressed in questionnaire scores

    Change in mood measured using the Bond-Lader Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The scale ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating a more positive mood state (better outcome).

Secondary outcomes

  1. Wellbeing

    Time frame: Baseline and 7 days (final day of each condition) espressed in questionnaire scores

    Change in wellbeing measured using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS). The WEMWBS total score ranges from 14 to 70, with higher scores indicating greater mental wellbeing (better outcome).

Other outcomes

  1. Body weight

    Time frame: Baseline and 7 days (final day of each condition) expressed in Kg

    Change in body weight, measured in kilograms (kg)

    Change in waist circumference, measured in centimetres (cm). Lower waist circumference indicates a better outcome where reduction in central adiposity is a study objective.

  2. Physical activity

    Time frame: Baseline and 7 days (final day of each condition) espressed in questionnaire scores

    Change in physical activity measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), expressed as total metabolic equivalent (MET)-minutes per week. Higher scores indicate greater physical activity levels (better outcome). The IPAQ does not have a fixed minimum or maximum score.

  3. Dietary intake

    Time frame: During the 7 days intervention/condition using DietPlan software

    Change in dietary intake assessed using 7-day weighted food records collected during each 7-day intervention period. Dietary intake was quantified as daily energy and nutrient intake. There is no fixed minimum or maximum score; values are reported in their respective units (e.g., kcal/day, g/day). The direction of a better outcome depends on the specific dietary component being evaluated.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Roehampton

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Exploring the Effects of a Short-term Mediterranean-style Dietary Intervention on Indices of Mood and Wellbeing in UK Adults

Acronym: MEDWELL

Important dates

Study start
2019
Primary completion
2019
Study completion
2019
First posted
Jul 16, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 16, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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