Enhance Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in an Italian Academic Setting: A Workplace Health Promotion Programme.

Objective: Despite potential health benefits, workplace health promotion programmes still remain limited and varied. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a Mediterranean Diet (MD)-based intervention in improving the eating habits and the effects on anthropometric characteristics in a sample of University of Torino employees. Methods: The study comprised 203 university employees (mean age of 47.1 ± 9.2 years, 66% females). At baseline (T0), MD adherence was assessed through the validated Medi-Lite questionnaire, anthropometric characteristics of height, weight and waist circumference were measured and body mass index (BMI) and waist to height ratio (WHtR) derived. The same measurements were repeated after 4 months (T1) to evaluate quantitative and qualitative changes in diet and anthropometric indicators. Results: After the intervention, the sample showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in adherence to the MD (T0 = 12.4 ± 2.2 vs. T1 = 13.0 ± 2.0) with higher consumption of vegetables (+12.8%), legumes (+10.3%) and fish (+10.8%). While no significant differences for body weight (−0.2 ± 2.3 kg) and BMI (−0.1 ± 0.9 kg/m²) were observed, a significant decrease in waist circumference (−1.3 ± 4.5 cm) and WHtR (−0.01 ± 0.03) emerged. Furthermore, improvements in MD adherence were associated with a lower risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases (according to WHtR) and vice versa. Conclusion: The nutritional intervention significantly enhanced MD adherence and increased the consumption of its key food groups, including vegetables, legumes, and fish, while reducing waist circumference, WHtR and related risk factors.