Summary
This integrated global modelling study examined the health and environmental impacts of three dietary sustainability approaches across more than 150 countries, combining nutrient analyses, comparative risk assessment for chronic disease mortality, and multi-dimensional environmental footprinting. The authors found that replacing animal-source foods with plant-based alternatives was particularly effective in high-income countries for improving nutrient adequacy and reducing premature mortality. The work provides country-level evidence on the feasibility of aligning dietary change with both health gains and environmental objectives.
UK applicability
The findings are directly applicable to UK dietary policy and practice, particularly regarding the environmental feasibility of shifting towards plant-based diets in a high-income context. The country-level analysis likely includes UK-specific data, making the results relevant for informing national food-based dietary guidelines and climate mitigation strategies in food systems.
Key measures
Nutrient intake and adequacy; premature mortality from diet and weight-related risk factors; greenhouse gas emissions; cropland use; freshwater use; nitrogen application; phosphorus application
Outcomes reported
The study modelled changes in 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 dietary scenario approaches in over 150 countries. It compared the health and environmental trade-offs of environmental, food security, and public health-motivated dietary patterns.
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