Mediterranean Diet Impacts Women and Men Differently

A new international study has found that while men and women achieve similar overall success in following the Mediterranean diet, the pathways to those outcomes differ significantly, shaping health, sleep, and wellbeing in gender-specific ways.

The research, published in Frontiers in Nutrition as part of the MEDIET4ALL project, analysed responses from more than 4,000 adults across 10 Mediterranean and neighbouring countries. Using the Mediterranean Lifestyle (MedLife) Index, the study explored not just diet, but also sleep, activity, mental health, and social habits.

Key Findings

• Dietary choices split along gender lines: Women consistently ate more vegetables, whole grains, and olive oil, while limiting red and processed meat. They also used herbs and spices more often—hallmarks of the traditional Mediterranean table.Men, meanwhile, reported higher intake of fish, legumes, and moderate wine consumption, especially in Mediterranean countries.

  
  

• Lifestyle strengths varied: Men were more physically active, more likely to play sports, and more engaged in social activities. They also reported better sleep efficiency and shorter time to fall asleep.Women, however, tended to sleep longer—possibly to compensate for poorer sleep quality and higher insomnia severity.

  
  

• Mental health differences stood out: Women scored higher on measures of depression, anxiety, and stress, and expressed a greater need for psychological and nutritional support. Men were more likely to report being symptom-free but cited low motivation as a barrier to healthy living.

  
  

• Barriers reflected social and cultural norms: Women most often pointed to taste preferences, knowledge gaps, and attitudinal barriers. Men cited medical reasons or lack of motivation. These differences suggest that gender-sensitive interventions may be more effective in supporting lifestyle change.

The Mediterranean diet has long been linked to lower risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and some cancers, as well as increased longevity. But researchers stress that food cannot be separated from daily routines: sleep, movement, stress, and social ties all shape how sustainable diet choices become.

The study found that higher MedLife scores correlated strongly with healthier lifestyles overall—more activity, stronger social connections, and lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.

Gender-Specific Takeaways

• For women: Programs may need to pair nutrition support with strategies to improve sleep and reduce stress, such as community groups or mental health resources.

• For men: Leveraging social and sporting routines to promote healthy eating and hydration could prove effective, alongside addressing medical concerns and motivation.

The Bigger Picture

This was one of the largest studies of its kind, covering diverse cultures and languages. While the findings are observational and based on self-reported data, they highlight how gendered experiences shape health behaviours.

Public health experts argue that recognising these differences could make interventions—from workplace wellness programs to national campaigns—far more effective.

As the researchers conclude, “higher MedLife scores track with healthier daily rhythms. But to reach everyone, strategies must reflect the different realities faced by women and men.”

Reference: Boujelbane MA, Ammar A, Salem A, et al. (2025). Gender-specific insights into adherence to Mediterranean diet and lifestyle: analysis of 4,000 responses from the MEDIET4ALL project. Front. Nutr. 12. DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1570904