Potential health impact of increasing adoption of sustainable dietary practices in Sweden

Abstract Background An urgent transition to more sustainable diets is necessary for the improvement of human and planetary health. One way achieve this practices become mainstream. We estimated potential health impact wider adoption dietary deemed by consumers, researchers stakeholders in Sweden be niche, with scaled up. Methods A life table method was used estimate - changes years lost (YLL) over periods 20 30 Swedish population had been adopted 2010–11, when last national adult survey conducted. The modelled were reducing red processed meat (by 25, 50 100%), assuming, each stage, replacement an equal weight poultry/fish vegetables +/− legumes; milk intake 100%); sugar-sweetened beverage 100%). Using data together on cause-specific mortality relative risks diet-disease outcomes, impacts scenario separately combination, outcomes ischaemic heart disease (IHD), stroke, diabetes type 2 colorectal cancer. Results For a “moderate” combination scenarios (changes at 50% level), reductions 513,200 YLL (lower-upper uncertainty 59,400-797,900) could have achieved 1,148,500 (135,900-1,786,600) years. majority (over 90%) YLLs prevented related IHD, men. singular practice that most replacing it mixture legumes. Reducing resulted increase YLL, but compensated other scenarios. Conclusion If these widely adopted, they would expected lead improvements public Sweden. Over long term, translate many premature deaths postponed or from number chronic diseases, benefit individuals, society, climate economy.