Introduction: The planetary health diet, introduced by the EAT–Lancet Commission, aims to address global health and sustainability challenges by promoting a plant-based diet with reduced consumption of animal-sourced foods. This diet not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also offers significant health benefits, including prevention and management of abdominal obesity, carbohydrate metabolism disorders, dyslipidemia, and elevated blood pressure. These metabolic disorders are components of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Objectives: This narrative review aims to gather the most recent findings on the impact of the planetary diet on individual components of metabolic syndrome and on the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Methods: The available research on the topic was identified via searches in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Results: Abdominal obesity, a major risk factor for a range of chronic diseases, can be effectively mitigated by adhering to plant-based dietary patterns, which have been shown to reduce waist circumference and improve overall cardiometabolic health. Furthermore, the planetary diet plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of type-2 diabetes and improving glycemic control, with specific dietary components such as whole grains and fiber, demonstrating positive effects on blood glucose levels. This diet is additionally associated with favorable lipid profiles, including lower levels of LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol, which are critical in the prevention of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Conclusions: These multiple benefits highlight that the planetary diet may be an effective strategy for managing and preventing metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. However, further research is needed to confirm its long-term efficacy and applicability across diverse populations.

Introduction. Hypercholesterolemia is typically associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome, yet elevated total and LDL cholesterol are also frequently observed in underweight individuals, including patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). This paradox can cause diagnostic uncertainty when lipid results are interpreted based on concepts derived from obesity-related dyslipidemia. Aim. To summarize current evidence on mechanisms underlying hypercholesterolemia in underweight individuals, with emphasis on AN, and to outline its clinical significance and management. Materials and Methods. A narrative review of PubMed and Google Scholar literature published up to July 2026, prioritizing systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and observational studies on lipid abnormalities in underweight populations. Results. Hypercholesterolemia in starvation states arises from reduced hepatic LDL-receptor activity, a low-T3 endocrine state, altered cortisol, insulin and leptin signalling, impaired bile acid synthesis, and altered lipoprotein transport, rather than dietary cholesterol intake. These adaptations differ from obesity-driven dyslipidemia and generally improve with nutritional rehabilitation. Conclusions. Hypercholesterolemia associated with underweight is usually a reversible metabolic adaptation to prolonged energy deficiency. Nutritional rehabilitation should be the primary treatment strategy, whereas persistent lipid abnormalities after weight restoration require further diagnostic evaluation.

Background. Thymus vulgaris is a medicinal plant rich in bioactive compounds, particularly thymol and carvacrol, with antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and bronchodilatory properties relevant to respiratory diseases. Aim. To summarize the current evidence on the mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential of Thymus vulgaris in respiratory diseases. Material and methods. A narrative review of review articles, preclinical studies, and clinical trials published between 2000 and 2024 was performed using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Results. Preclinical studies demonstrate that Thymus vulgaris exhibits antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and bronchodilatory activities through inhibition of pathogens, modulation of inflammatory pathways, reduction of oxidative stress, and relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle. Clinical studies, although limited, suggest that thyme preparations may improve respiratory symptoms, enhance selected pulmonary function parameters, and support recovery in viral respiratory infections, including COVID-19. Conclusions. Thymus vulgaris shows promise as a supportive phytotherapeutic agent in respiratory diseases. However, larger, well-designed randomized clinical trials are required to confirm its efficacy, safety, and optimal clinical use.

Background: High-protein diets are widely used for weight reduction, body composition improvement, and metabolic health. Although effective, concerns remain regarding their long-term safety. This review summarizes current evidence on their benefits and risks. Materials and methods: A narrative review of randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and observational studies evaluated the effects of high-protein diets on metabolic health and potential adverse outcomes. Results: High-protein diets promote weight loss by increasing satiety, thermogenesis, energy expenditure, and preserving fat-free mass. They improve appetite regulation through increased GLP-1 and GIP secretion and reduced ghrelin levels. Benefits are particularly evident in individuals with obesity, insulin resistance, or type 2 diabetes. However, excessive long-term intake, especially from animal sources, may increase renal workload, nephrolithiasis, hyperuricemia, nutritional deficiencies, and possibly cardiovascular risk. Evidence regarding cancer remains inconclusive. Conclusions: When appropriately planned and individualized, high-protein diets are effective for short- and medium-term weight management. Their long-term safety depends on protein source, dietary quality, and individual health status. Further long-term studies are needed to define their role in clinical practice.