147 Virgin Olive Oil Benefits Overweight and obesity represent pressing public health concerns, driving a surge of research into their prevention and treatment. Despite these efforts, their prevalence continues to rise, often exacerbated by pseudoscience and dangerous “miracle diets.” In contrast, the Mediterranean region offers a time-tested dietary model rooted in tradition. Numerous studies support the beneficial effects of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) -a central component of the Mediterranean diet- on weight management and body composition. Although the precise mechanisms remain partially understood, a combination of biological, social, and psychological factors is likely involved. This chapter summarizes the current epidemiological and clinical trial evidence on EVOO and obesity, with additional emphasis on its modulation of the gut microbiota and its relevance to precision nutrition. Particularly compelling is the observation that certain genetic variants may magnify the benefits of EVOO, making it a powerful tool in personalised health strategies. KEYWORDS: Extra virgin olive oil, Overweight, Obesity, Precision Nutrition, Microbiota ABBREVIATIONS: EVOO: Extra virgin olive oil EPIC-PANACEA: European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-Physical Activity, Nutrition, Alcohol, Cessation of smoking, Eating out of home And obesity. BMI: Body mass index PPARG2: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma. PREDIMED: Prevention with Mediterranean Diet (“PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea”) SUN: University of Navarra Follow-up (“Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra”) abstract
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