Health · Fitness & Nutrition · 20 hrs ago
Spanish researchers say food traditions can help address obesity
As medicines for weight loss become more popular, Spanish researchers are urging people to preserve food traditions as part of efforts to address obesity.
Ozempic was first used to treat type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy and Mounjaro are used for obesity and affect appetite and feelings of fullness.
Sociologist Cecilia Díaz Méndez of the University of Oviedo says eating habits are shaped by shared culture, not just by individual choices.
In Spain and other southern European countries, that culture includes familiar recipes, local ingredients, home cooking and meals shared with others.
These traditions can give people guidance about what and how to eat, and may help counter the influence of ultra-processed food marketing.
The medicines are a medical advance for some patients, but the researchers' view is that lasting efforts against obesity should also consider the food environment.
Spanish researchers say food traditions and shared meals can help preserve healthy eating habits and address obesity.
Sociologist Cecilia Díaz Méndez of the University of Oviedo says eating habits are shaped by history, knowledge and traditions passed between generations.
She argues that home cooking, familiar recipes and eating together can help people resist the influence of industrialised food.
The article presents this approach as complementary to obesity medicines such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, which affect appetite and satiety.
- Who
- Spanish researchers, including sociologist Cecilia Díaz Méndez of the University of Oviedo.
- What
- They argue that culinary traditions and shared meals can help address obesity by supporting healthy eating habits.
- When
- The article was published on 16 October 2026.
- Where
- Spain, with comparisons to Italy and France.
- Why
- Food traditions give people shared knowledge and habits that may help them resist industrialised food and its marketing.
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- Researcher
- Cecilia Díaz Méndez
- Institution
- University of Oviedo, Spain
- Medicines
- Wegovy and Mounjaro are used against obesity
- Published
- 16 October 2026
- Countries discussed
- Spain, Italy and France
What people are saying
La culture alimentaire se nourrit de règles, de connaissances, de croyances et d'habitudes ancrées dans le passé, qui nous indiquent quoi manger et comment manger.
On pourrait dire qu'en Espagne, en Italie ou en France, bien manger signifie consommer certains plats reconnaissables, qui reflètent une forte identité nationale, cuisiner pour les autres et manger en compagnie.
En France ou en Espagne, les entreprises se heurtent à une société qui possède une véritable culture alimentaire.