Summary
This integrated global modelling study evaluated three approaches to sustainable diets—environmental (plant-based replacement of animal foods), food security (addressing under- and overweight), and public health (flexitarian to vegan patterns)—across over 150 countries. The analysis combined nutrient-level assessment, comparative risk assessment for diet-related mortality, and environmental footprinting to characterise the joint health and environmental outcomes of dietary transitions. The findings indicate that plant-based dietary shifts were particularly effective for improving nutrient adequacy and reducing premature mortality in high-income countries, though the abstract is truncated before full results are presented.
Regional applicability
As a high-income country, the United Kingdom would likely benefit from the study's findings on plant-based dietary transitions for simultaneous health and environmental gains. The results may inform UK dietary guidelines and food policy, though country-specific modelling would be needed to account for UK production systems, dietary baselines, and regional nutritional vulnerabilities.
Key measures
Nutrient intake and adequacy; diet and weight-related chronic disease mortality (comparative risk assessment with nine risk factors); greenhouse gas emissions, cropland use, freshwater use, nitrogen application, and phosphorus application
Outcomes reported
The study modelled nutrient adequacy, diet-related and weight-related chronic disease mortality, and environmental impacts (greenhouse gas emissions, cropland use, freshwater use, nitrogen and phosphorus application) across three sets of dietary scenarios in over 150 countries. Environmental, food security, and public health objectives were evaluated through flexitarian, pescatarian, vegetarian, and vegan dietary patterns.
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