Researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, in collaboration with East Carolina, Duke, Harvard, and Simmons Universities, have found that a Mediterranean-style diet tailored for Southeastern communities can aid in weight loss and reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. This research, part of the DELISH (Delicious Eating for Life in Southern Homes) study, was published in JAMA Network Open on August 24, 2026.
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Led by co-Principal Investigators Dr. Thomas Keyserling and Dr. Carmen Samuel-Hodge, the study focuses on how dietary patterns featuring high-quality fats and carbohydrates can help mitigate chronic diseases common in the Southeast, such as diabetes and CVD. Traditional low-fat diets may not be as effective as those prioritizing nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. However, these standard Mediterranean recommendations might not fit the lifestyles of diverse regional populations. The researchers developed the Med-South Weight Loss Program (Med-South), which aligns with Mediterranean principles while considering local food availability and taste preferences.
The study involved 360 adults with a body mass index of 30 or higher, all enrolled from primary care practices in central North Carolina. Participants were randomly assigned to either the Med-South program or a control group utilizing WeightWatchers. The intervention included three phases: improving diet quality, focusing on weight loss while adhering to the Med-South eating pattern, and maintaining weight loss. Over the two years, the control group attended WW workshops and used digital tools.
Data on body weight, diet quality, and blood pressure were collected at 4, 12, and 24 months. Both groups experienced approximately 4.5 kg (10 pounds) of weight loss. However, no significant differences were found between the two interventions in terms of weight loss or blood pressure reduction. Notably, participants in the Med-South group reported significantly improved diet quality, including increased intake of high-quality fats and lower carbohydrates, alongside better scores on diet quality indexes. Both groups showed improvements in Veggie Meter scores, which measure carotenoid levels in the skin as an indicator of fruit and vegetable intake.
Keyserling emphasized the importance of integrating healthful dietary patterns into weight loss programs, stating that while calorie restrictions can lead to comparable weight loss, the long-term benefits of a nutritious diet in preventing chronic diseases should not be overlooked.
Dr. Thomas C. Keyserling is a professor at the UNC School of Medicine and a research fellow at the UNC Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. Dr. Carmen Samuel-Hodge is a research professor in the Department of Nutrition at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health and serves as the director of the Evaluation Core for the UNC Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention.