Summary
This integrated global modelling study assessed the health and environmental impacts of three approaches to sustainable diets across 150+ countries using comparative risk assessment and environmental footprint analysis. The analysis examined environmental-objective scenarios (plant-based food substitution), food security scenarios (reduction of malnutrition and obesity), and public health scenarios (specific dietary patterns). Findings indicate that replacing animal-source foods with plant-based alternatives was particularly effective in high-income countries for improving nutrient adequacy and reducing premature mortality.
UK applicability
The findings are directly applicable to the United Kingdom as a high-income country where dietary shift towards plant-based foods showed strong co-benefits for both health and environmental outcomes. The results may inform UK public health policy and dietary guidance development, particularly regarding the potential for reducing diet-related chronic disease whilst lowering environmental footprints.
Key measures
Nutrient intake adequacy against international standards; premature mortality from nine diet and weight-related risk factors; greenhouse gas emissions, cropland use, freshwater use, nitrogen application, and phosphorus application
Outcomes reported
The study modelled health outcomes (diet and weight-related chronic disease mortality) and environmental impacts (greenhouse gas emissions, cropland use, freshwater use, nitrogen and phosphorus application) across three sets of sustainable diet scenarios for over 150 countries. It examined the joint health and environmental effects of replacing animal-source foods with plant-based alternatives, addressing food security, and implementing structured dietary patterns (flexitarian, pescatarian, vegetarian, vegan).
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