Unpacking Diet Quality and Food Insecurity in Lebanon: Exploring Dietary Diversity, Mediterranean Diet Adherence, and Phytochemical Intake Among Adults

The study highlights the poor diet quality and high food insecurity (FI) among Lebanese adults. In this research, more than half of the surveyed households were found to have low dietary diversity. This is concerning, especially since it has risen since 2021. For context, food insecurity levels in Lebanon are alarming—standing at around 39.4%, significantly higher than in Palestine, where it was 34% in 2022.

While the Lebanese people’s adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) was moderate—about 45.9%—it’s clear that many still struggle with food choices. For instance, olive oil consumption among participants was almost nonexistent, likely due to rising prices and changing dietary habits. In fact, researchers have observed a broader trend in the region: as countries modernize and urbanize, diets shift away from traditional foods towards those high in animal products and sugars.

Interestingly, even though many people were food insecure, some showed better adherence to the MD. This could be due to financial constraints leading them to opt for cheaper, less processed foods. Yet, excessive reliance on energy-dense foods like potatoes raises concerns about nutrition levels, especially given the high rates of overweight and obesity in the population, where about 61.9% are classified as such.

Sociodemographic factors like employment and education also play a role in dietary choices. Higher educational levels were linked to better diet quality, suggesting that those who understand nutrition tend to make healthier choices. In line with this, experts suggest that improving nutrition education can help overall public health.

Additionally, older adults tended to follow more traditional diets. They often consume more fruits and vegetables compared to younger generations, reflecting a preference for these foods over ultra-processed options.

In terms of overall public health, monitoring food quality and insecurity in Lebanon is crucial. Current evidence suggests a connection between poor diet and chronic diseases, as many participants reported issues like anemia and hypertension.

In conclusion, both broad societal changes and individual choices impact the food landscape in Lebanon. By focusing on increasing access to healthy foods and fostering better nutrition education, there’s potential for significant improvements in dietary habits and health outcomes for its residents.



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Health care,Medical research,Risk factors,Lebanon,Diet quality,Diet diversity,Mediterranean diet,Phytochemicals,Food security,Science,Humanities and Social Sciences,multidisciplinary