A new study published in the Lancet suggests that poor diet is responsible for one in five deaths worldwide, and a new diet-related health index shows that a bad diet can reduce your life expectancy as much as smoking.

This is a wake-up call for everyone to pay more attention to what we eat if we want to live longer and healthier lives.

The Global Burden of Disease Study

The new study is part of the Global Burden of Disease Study, a comprehensive analysis of health and disease trends in 195 countries.

The study found that poor diet is responsible for 11 million deaths worldwide, even more than tobacco and high blood pressure. The research team developed a new metric called the Diet-Related Health Index (DRHI) to measure the impact of various foods and eating patterns on health outcomes.

The Diet-Related Health Index is a score that summarizes the overall health impact of a person’s diet, based on 15 dietary risk factors.

These factors include high intake of red meat, processed meat, sugar-sweetened beverages, trans fats, and sodium, as well as low intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, fiber, calcium, and seafood omega-3 fat. The DRHI score ranges from 0 (worst) to 100 (best), with higher scores indicating better diet quality and lower risks of diet-related diseases.

What Are the Key Findings of the Study?

The study found that the global average DRHI score is only 49 out of 100, meaning that most people are eating a suboptimal diet that increases their risk of chronic diseases and premature death.

The study also identified regional and national differences in diet quality and related health outcomes. Some of the key findings include:.

Suboptimal diet is the leading risk factor for death and disability in most countries, but particularly in low- and middle-income countries such as Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Papua New Guinea.
The burden of diet-related diseases varies widely by age, sex, and location. For example, iron-deficiency anemia is more common in women, while diabetes is more common in men.
Unhealthy eating habits are associated with an increased risk of non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes, as well as infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV.
The health impact of a specific food or nutrient depends on its quality, quantity, and context. For example, fruits and vegetables are generally good for health, but if they are contaminated with pathogens or pesticide residues, they can pose a risk.
A healthy diet is not only about avoiding harmful foods but also about nourishing the body with essential nutrients and bioactive compounds that have specific health benefits.

The good news is that we can improve our DRHI score by making simple changes to our eating habits. Some of the key recommendations from the study and other public health experts include:.

Eat a variety of whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, and lean proteins.
Limit or avoid processed and ultra-processed foods that are high in added sugars, trans fats, and salt.
Drink water, herbal tea, or unsweetened beverages instead of sugar-sweetened beverages.
Choose healthy fats from plant sources such as olive oil, avocado, nuts, and seeds, and limit saturated and trans fats from animal sources such as butter, cheese, and red meat.
Check food labels for nutrition information, ingredient lists, and allergen warnings.
Cook more meals at home using fresh and simple ingredients, and avoid eating out or ordering takeout too often.
Be mindful of portion sizes and eat until you feel comfortably satisfied, not overstuffed.
Consider your cultural, social, and environmental factors when making food choices, and find ways to incorporate healthy foods into your daily routines and traditions.

Conclusion

The Diet-Related Health Index is a powerful tool for assessing the health impacts of our food choices and guiding us towards a healthier and more sustainable diet.

By improving our DRHI score, we can reduce our risk of chronic diseases, enhance our well-being, and contribute to a healthier planet. Let’s make every bite count!.