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<p>New data reveal Americans may be eating themselves into the grave.</p>

Research Identifies Poor Dietary Habits Linked to Cardiometabolic Deaths

March 9, 2017

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By Jonathan Springston, Editor, AHC Media

Many cardiometabolic deaths that occurred in the United States in 2012 can be attributed to unhealthy diets loaded with excess sodium and processed foods, according to a study published this week.

Researchers from the Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the National Center for Health Statistics. The authors discovered that in 2012, poor dietary factors were associated with more than 318,000 cardiometabolic deaths, which is about 45% of all U.S. cardiometabolic deaths for 2012.

The study authors recommended Americans eat more fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seafood loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, and reduce their intake of sodium, sugary beverages, and other processed foods.

“The results by Micha and colleagues have the potential to guide policy makers in planning public health nutrition interventions that not only could help prevent [cardiometabolic disease] deaths but also could reduce health disparities,” Noel T. Mueller, PhD, MPH, and Lawrence J. Appel, MD, MPH, wrote in an accompanying editorial.

Bad dietary habits lead to a variety of health maladies, but another study released this week found that only 49% of overweight Americans surveyed are actively trying to lose weight. There are several factors that could explain this, according to the authors. First, attitudes about body weight and sizes have evolved. Second, more Americans are turning away from trendy, ineffective crash diets that can be taxing on one’s spirit. From a clinician perspective, the authors noted primary care physicians may not engage in conversations often enough with their patients about weight issues.

For more research news about the benefits of good nutrition on heart, brain, and overall health, be sure to check out the latest issues of Integrative Medicine Alert, Clinical Cardiology Alert, Neurology Alert, and Internal Medicine Alert.