Is having a poor diet a killer?

The UK is facing a rapid decline in health, with poor diet now the leading driver of preventable death, disease, and crucially lost years of healthy life. Current dietary guidance is failing, and projections suggest that by 2040, 71% of UK adults could be overweight or obese, with the sharpest increases in the most deprived communities.

Contrary to popular belief, what we are not consuming is causing as much harm as what we are eating in excess. According to global evidence, including findings from the Global Burden of Disease study, the 8 out of the 10 dietary risks are linked to insufficient intake of protective foods and nutrients. In fact, low consumption of foods such as whole grains, fruit, nuts, seeds and fibre contributes more to premature mortality than excessive intake of sugar or saturated fat. They also protect against heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses.

Studies show that consuming a small daily portion of nuts (25g) can reduce cardiovascular disease risk by as much as 50% and lower diabetes type 2 risk by 24%, as well as supporting healthy weight management. Research from Whitworths suggests that increasing nut consumption could save up to 20,000 lives each year (which is twice the number of lives saved by statins).

Ros spoke to GP & nutritionist Dr Rupy Aujla & Phil Gowland, director of health at Whitworths.