To analyze the global cancer burden associated with dietary factors across 204 countries and regions from 1990 to 2019.

A population-based study

Global Burden of Disease Study

Using data from the 2019 global burden of disease, we calculated Population Attributable Fractions (PAFs), death and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). A comparative risk assessment framework was employed, along with estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs).

In 2019, approximately 6.01% of cancer mortality and 5.50% of DALY rates can be attributed to dietary risk factors, particularly low intake of whole grains, milk, and fruits and vegetables. The High Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) region had the highest cancer mortality and DALY PAFs, mainly due to high consumption of red and processed meats, while the Low SDI region showed the highest PAFs from low fruit and vegetable consumption. In 2019, the High-middle SDI region had the highest age-standardized death rate (ASDR) and DALY rate attributable to dietary factors. Among geographic regions, Southern Latin America had the highest ASDR, and Central Europe had the highest age-standardized DALY rate. At the country level, Mongolia exhibited the highest rates for both ASDR and DALYs attributable to dietary risks. From 1990 to 2019, the largest increase in ASDR was observed in Western Sub-Saharan Africa, with Bulgaria showing the largest country-specific increase. Similarly, the largest increase in the age-standardized DALY rate was seen in Western Sub-Saharan Africa, with Lesotho experiencing the highest increase at the country level.

Our findings underscored the importance of increasing the consumption of whole grains, milk, and calcium, which can inform global dietary guidelines and cancer prevention strategies.

To characterise dietary habits, their temporal and spatial patterns and associations with BMI in the 23andMe study population.

We present a large-scale cross-sectional analysis of self-reported dietary intake data derived from the web-based National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009–2010 dietary screener. Survey-weighted estimates for each food item were characterised by age, sex, race/ethnicity, education and BMI. Temporal patterns were plotted over a 2-year time period, and average consumption for select food items was mapped by state. Finally, dietary intake variables were tested for association with BMI.

US-based adults 20–85 years of age participating in the 23andMe research programme.

Participants were 23andMe customers who consented to participate in research (n 526 774) and completed web-based surveys on demographic and dietary habits.

Survey-weighted estimates show very few participants met federal recommendations for fruit: 2·6 %, vegetables: 5·9 % and dairy intake: 2·8 %. Between 2017 and 2019, fruit, vegetables and milk intake frequency declined, while total dairy remained stable and added sugars increased. Seasonal patterns in reporting were most pronounced for ice cream, chocolate, fruits and vegetables. Dietary habits varied across the USA, with higher intake of sugar and energy dense foods characterising areas with higher average BMI. In multivariate-adjusted models, BMI was directly associated with the intake of processed meat, red meat, dairy and inversely associated with consumption of fruit, vegetables and whole grains.

23andMe research participants have created an opportunity for rapid, large-scale, real-time nutritional data collection, informing demographic, seasonal and spatial patterns with broad geographical coverage across the USA.

The increasing prevalence of childhood overweight is an important health issue. There is a need for longitudinal research among children in order to identify risk factors for childhood overweight. The objective of the present research was to identify potential sociodemographic and behavioural risk factors for development of childhood overweight among 3- to 6-year-old children.

Longitudinal study.

Sixteen pre-primary and primary schools.

BMI Z-scores at baseline and two follow-up measurements were calculated for 568 children. Sociodemographic, parental adiposity, familial composition, child's diet, physical activity and sedentary behavioural data were collected through questionnaires.

Several risk factors for the development of childhood overweight were found. Being an only child, lower maternal educational level, maternal and paternal overweight, more than 1 h screen time on weekdays and high soft drinks consumption were shown to be positively associated with the development of childhood overweight.

Although behavioural factors are important, our findings support the thesis that interventions on the prevention of childhood overweight should focus on high-risk groups, i.e. children from low socio-economic background or with high parental BMI. Interventions should address the whole family and take into account their lifestyle and structure.

To investigate the socio-economic and dietary factors associated with overweight and obesity, respectively, in southern France.

Cross-sectional analysis of socio-economic, lifestyle and nutritional characteristics of a representative population sample. A questionnaire elicited information on anthropometric measurements, socio-economic factors, physical activity, tobacco use, and alcohol and food intakes. Non-parametric tests, multiple linear regression models and correspondence factorial analysis (CFA) were used to estimate the association of the various factors with overweight and obesity.

French Southwest and Mediterranean areas.

In total, 1169 subjects (578 women and 552 men), aged 30–77 years, were recruited at random.

Overweight and obesity were associated with age and education in both genders, reproductive factors in women and tobacco use in men. A few dietary factors were identified (high energy intake and low intake of carbohydrates), but all these variables explained little of the variation (18.5% in women and 14.6% in men). The CFA further investigated the association of lifestyle and nutritional factors, giving more weight to nutritional behaviour for overweight men and women. Factors for obesity differed from those for overweight by being different in men and women, possibly related to psychological behaviour, and there were fewer of them, suggesting an insufficient coverage by the usual questionnaires.

Overweight and obesity appear as two different entities. Energy imbalance induced by various lifestyle factors plays a major role in the development of overweight, whereas obesity represents a more complex entity where psychological and genetic factors that are difficult to assess may be more important. General nutritional guidelines appear more adapted to the prevention of overweight than to that of obesity, and individual counselling to the prevention of obesity.