The Mediterranean Diet: A Path to Empowerment and Health – Bucharest
In Bucharest, at the Italian Embassy in Romania, we discussed the value of the Mediterranean Diet as an integrated approach to health and well-being. We presented his latest book, Science and Mediterranean Flavors with Prof. Michele Carruba and a panel of scientists, researchers, officials, and Romanian policymakers.
The Mediterranean Diet: A Path to Empowerment and Health
The event also provided an opportunity to address a pressing issue: the potential introduction of the Nutriscore in Romania. Driven by commercial interests, particularly from French and German retailers, attempts have been made to implement this system, despite opposition from various Romanian governments, consumer advocacy organizations, and other civil society groups. Most Romanians recognize that Nutriscore not only fails to tackle obesity effectively but also has unintended negative consequences. It undermines consumer choice, harms small local businesses, and discourages a deeper understanding of food and nutrition.
We emphasized that obesity is a complex, multifactorial issue that varies greatly among individuals. Simplistic solutions like “traffic light” labeling systems cannot address such complexity. Instead, we proposed an alternative approach centered on empowering consumers: informing, educating, and equipping them with the tools to make informed choices. This is the essence of the Diet of the Mediterranean region.
The Mediterranean lifestyle is not just a culinary tradition but a method that celebrates diversity and fosters balance. Thanks to advancements in science and technology, it can now be adapted through personalized nutrition. Genetics, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things provide tools for personalized diets to individual lifestyles and needs.
The conference was a success. The audience appreciated our focus on empowering citizen-consumers rather than imposing one-size-fits-all solutions. The Mediterranean lifestyle is a practical and sustainable solution to combat obesity and promote better health for everyone.
