The Impact of Dietary Choices on Cardiometabolic Outcomes Among US Firefighters: A Comprehensive Study
Date Issued
July 2025
Author(s)
Advisor
Abstract
This dissertation examines the relationship between dietary patterns - particularly
adherence to the Mediterranean Diet - and cardiometabolic outcomes among U.S.
firefighters. Drawing on data from the Feeding America’s Bravest (FAB) study, it
explores the role of diet in a high-risk occupational group through cross-sectional
analysis and a six-month longitudinal intervention. The study identified two dominant
dietary patterns; Mediterranean and Standard American; and found that higher
adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and lower Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) scores
were associated with improved lipid profiles, lower body fat, and reduced systemic
inflammation. The intervention, tailored to the firefighting context and including family
engagement, proved both feasible and effective in promoting healthier eating behaviors.
Key strengths include the real-world application and use of multiple dietary assessment
tools. Limitations include reliance on self-reported data and a predominantly male
sample. The findings support scalable, nutrition-based strategies to improve firefighter
health and inform future research and occupational wellness programs.
adherence to the Mediterranean Diet - and cardiometabolic outcomes among U.S.
firefighters. Drawing on data from the Feeding America’s Bravest (FAB) study, it
explores the role of diet in a high-risk occupational group through cross-sectional
analysis and a six-month longitudinal intervention. The study identified two dominant
dietary patterns; Mediterranean and Standard American; and found that higher
adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and lower Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) scores
were associated with improved lipid profiles, lower body fat, and reduced systemic
inflammation. The intervention, tailored to the firefighting context and including family
engagement, proved both feasible and effective in promoting healthier eating behaviors.
Key strengths include the real-world application and use of multiple dietary assessment
tools. Limitations include reliance on self-reported data and a predominantly male
sample. The findings support scalable, nutrition-based strategies to improve firefighter
health and inform future research and occupational wellness programs.
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