Heart Disease: Which of the leading causes of death is diet-related?

October 27, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2019 study published in The Lancet, poor diet accounts for more deaths globally than tobacco use and high blood pressure. The research shows that many of the leading causes of death, including cardiovascular disease, are directly diet-related.

Quick Summary

Poor nutrition is a major risk factor for several leading causes of death, with heart disease being the most prominent. It also significantly contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and obesity, driving global mortality rates.

Key Points

Cardiovascular Disease is #1: Heart disease and stroke are the leading diet-related causes of death globally, driven by factors like high sodium and unhealthy fats.
Diet Over Smoking: Influential studies show that poor diet is responsible for more deaths worldwide than tobacco use.
Diabetes is Diet-Driven: Unhealthy eating, particularly excess sugar and refined carbs, is a primary driver of rising Type 2 diabetes cases.
Malnutrition Has Two Sides: Both overnutrition (linked to obesity and chronic disease) and undernutrition (a cause of mortality in low-income regions) are significant diet-related health issues.
Prevention is Possible: Making simple dietary adjustments, like reducing sodium and increasing fruits and whole grains, can significantly lower the risk of diet-related chronic diseases.

The Dominant Diet-Related Killer: Cardiovascular Disease

At the top of the list for diet-related mortality is cardiovascular disease (CVD), encompassing conditions such as ischemic heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) identifies CVD as the primary cause of death linked to poor diet. Dietary factors like high sodium and low consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains contribute significantly to these deaths.

The Impact of Sodium and Unhealthy Fats

High sodium intake is a major dietary risk factor, contributing to high blood pressure, which is a primary cause of heart attacks and strokes. Processed and pre-packaged foods are often major sources of hidden sodium. Diets high in industrially-produced trans fats also increase heart disease risk.

The Rising Tide of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is another leading cause of death closely tied to dietary habits. Diets high in added sugars, refined carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats contribute to overweight and obesity, key drivers of insulin resistance and diabetes. This condition is often preventable through better nutrition and lifestyle adjustments.

Diet's Role in Cancer Mortality

Diet significantly influences cancer risk. Obesity, linked to chronic overnutrition, is a risk factor for several cancers. High intake of processed and red meat is also associated with increased risk. Conversely, diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains offer protection.

The Forgotten Side of Malnutrition: Undernutrition

While overnutrition is a concern in many regions, undernutrition remains a significant diet-related cause of death, particularly for children in low-income countries. Inadequate intake of essential nutrients increases susceptibility to infectious diseases and premature death, highlighting the global challenge of malnutrition.

How Dietary Choices Drive Chronic Illness

Dietary habits impact chronic disease through several pathways:

Inflammation: Unhealthy diets can cause chronic inflammation, contributing to heart disease and some cancers.
Blood Pressure: Excessive sodium affects blood pressure, straining the cardiovascular system.
Cholesterol: Diets high in certain fats can raise 'bad' cholesterol, leading to arterial plaque.
Insulin Resistance: High sugar intake can lead to insulin resistance, a precursor to Type 2 diabetes.

Comparative Impacts of Healthy vs. Unhealthy Diets


Aspect	Healthy Dietary Pattern	Unhealthy Dietary Pattern
Cardiovascular Risk	Reduced risk due to beneficial foods.	High risk from excess sodium, unhealthy fats.
Diabetes Risk	Lower risk of Type 2 diabetes.	High risk from excess sugar, obesity.
Cancer Risk	Lowered risk from protective nutrients.	Increased risk linked to obesity, processed foods.
Weight Management	Supports healthy weight.	High risk of obesity.
Overall Mortality	Associated with lower mortality.	Associated with increased mortality.

Simple Steps to Improve Your Diet

Making healthier dietary choices can prevent diet-related diseases. Consider these steps:

Eat More Fruits and Vegetables: Aim for recommended servings for protective nutrients.
Choose Whole Grains: Opt for whole grains for fiber and heart health.
Limit Processed Foods: Reduce intake of items high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
Monitor Sodium Intake: Control salt consumption to help manage blood pressure.
Include Lean Protein and Healthy Fats: Add lean meats, nuts, seeds, and omega-3 rich fish.
Plan Meals: Prepping meals aids in making healthier choices.

Conclusion

Diet is a significant, modifiable risk factor for leading causes of death, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Both overconsumption and undernutrition contribute to the global burden of preventable chronic diseases. Adopting healthier eating patterns, even through small consistent changes, can lead to substantial, long-term health improvements. For more information on global health trends, visit the World Health Organization website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The single biggest diet-related cause of death is cardiovascular disease (CVD), which includes heart attacks and strokes. A 2021 study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) found it was the leading cause of death associated with poor diet.

A poor diet contributes to heart disease through several mechanisms, including high sodium intake leading to high blood pressure, and high consumption of saturated and trans fats, which increases cholesterol and contributes to arterial plaque buildup.

While diet is not a cure, it can play a significant role in prevention. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can lower cancer risk. Conversely, obesity, often resulting from poor diet, is linked to a higher risk of certain cancers.

Overnutrition is an excess consumption of nutrients and energy, often leading to overweight and obesity. Undernutrition is a deficiency of nutrients, which can cause wasting, stunting, and increased vulnerability to disease, particularly among children.

According to the IHME, high sodium intake, low fruit intake, and low whole grain intake were three of the top dietary risk factors for early death in 2021.

Yes, an influential study published in The Lancet in 2019 found that poor diet is associated with more deaths globally each year than smoking, and is involved in one in five deaths around the world.

Excessive intake of added sugars and refined carbohydrates is a key driver of Type 2 diabetes. These dietary habits contribute to weight gain and can lead to insulin resistance, a precursor to the disease.