Global dietary risk factors for non-communicable disease

Summary

This large-scale systematic analysis by the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration, published in The Lancet in 2021, quantifies the global burden of non-communicable diseases attributable to dietary risk factors including low intake of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, and high intake of sodium and processed foods. The study draws on nationally representative dietary surveys and disease burden data to estimate country- and region-level attributable fractions. It represents one of the most comprehensive assessments of diet as a modifiable risk factor for premature mortality and morbidity worldwide.

UK applicability

Findings are directly applicable to UK public health policy, as the UK is included within the global dataset and dietary patterns associated with non-communicable disease risk — such as low fruit and vegetable intake and high sodium consumption — are well documented in the British population. The evidence base informs UK dietary guidelines, NHS prevention strategies, and food environment policy.

Key measures

Deaths attributable to dietary risk factors; disability-adjusted life years (DALYs); dietary risk factor prevalence by country and region; cause-specific mortality (cardiovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes)

Outcomes reported

The study estimated the proportion of deaths and disability-adjusted life years attributable to dietary risk factors across countries, analysing trends in diet-related non-communicable disease burden over time.

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