Which of the 10 leading causes of death in the United States are diet related?

October 23, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), several of the nation's top killers are influenced by dietary factors. A poor diet contributes significantly to chronic diseases that rank among the 10 leading causes of death in the United States.

Quick Summary

Several major chronic diseases on the CDC's list of leading causes of death are strongly influenced by diet. Unhealthy eating patterns contribute to risk factors like obesity and high blood pressure, increasing the likelihood of conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes.

Key Points

Heart disease is the leading diet-related cause of death: It is influenced by high sodium, saturated fat, and low intake of fruits and vegetables.
Cancer has a strong dietary link: Obesity, influenced by diet, is a major risk factor for several cancers, and poor nutrition is linked to cancer mortality.
Dietary choices impact stroke risk: High blood pressure, a key risk factor for stroke, is heavily affected by high sodium intake.
Type 2 diabetes is often diet-driven: Unhealthy eating, particularly high sugar and processed food consumption, is a primary contributor to this leading cause of death.
Lifestyle changes can reduce risk: Improving your diet by eating more whole foods and limiting processed items can significantly lower the chances of developing chronic diseases.
Multiple chronic conditions are connected: Diet-related issues like diabetes and high blood pressure can lead to other complications, such as kidney disease.
Many Americans eat poorly: Many people need to increase intake of fiber, vitamins, and minerals while decreasing added sugar, sodium, and saturated fat.

The Overwhelming Link Between Diet and Death

An unhealthy diet is one of the most significant modifiable risk factors for chronic diseases, which account for a vast majority of deaths in the United States each year. The data clearly shows that what we eat has a profound impact on our longevity and overall health. While the precise rankings of the top 10 causes of death can shift slightly year to year due to various factors (like the impact of COVID-19 in recent years), a consistent pattern reveals the heavy influence of nutrition.

Heart Disease: The #1 Killer with a Dietary Cause

Heart disease consistently ranks as the leading cause of death for men, women, and most racial and ethnic groups in the U.S.. The connection to diet is undeniable. Poor dietary choices lead to key risk factors that precipitate cardiovascular issues:

High Sodium Intake: Excessive sodium raises blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes.
Saturated and Trans Fats: High consumption of these unhealthy fats can increase cholesterol levels, leading to atherosclerosis (the buildup of plaque in arteries).
Lack of Fruits, Vegetables, and Whole Grains: These foods are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals that help protect the heart. Their low intake is a significant dietary risk.
High Added Sugar Intake: Too much added sugar contributes to weight gain, inflammation, and high blood pressure, all increasing heart disease risk.

Cancer: The Second Leading Cause Influenced by Food

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S., and research indicates that a significant percentage of cancer deaths are related to diet and food components. While not the only factor, nutrition plays a preventative role through several mechanisms:

Obesity: Unhealthy eating patterns can lead to obesity, which is a known risk factor for many types of cancer.
Low Fiber and Antioxidant Intake: Diets lacking in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains miss out on crucial fiber and antioxidants that can protect cells from damage and mutation.
Processed Foods: High consumption of processed and red meats is linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, particularly colorectal cancer.

Stroke: A Cardiovascular Condition Linked to Diet

Cerebrovascular diseases, including stroke, are also consistently among the top 10 leading causes of death. As with heart disease, diet plays a central role. High blood pressure is the primary risk factor for stroke, and it is heavily impacted by dietary choices, most notably high sodium intake. An unhealthy diet can also contribute to the formation of blood clots and the narrowing of blood vessels in the brain.

Type 2 Diabetes: A Direct Result of Unhealthy Eating

Diabetes is a major chronic condition and a leading cause of death that is directly and profoundly influenced by diet. The link between obesity, high sugar intake, and the development of type 2 diabetes is well-established. The Standard American Diet (SAD), high in added sugars, processed foods, and unhealthy fats, is a significant driver of the diabetes epidemic.

Kidney Disease: The Unfortunate Consequence

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and related conditions are also on the list of top 10 killers. The dietary link here is indirect but crucial, as the two leading causes of kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure. Since these two conditions are largely managed or caused by diet, nutrition becomes a critical factor in preventing kidney failure. The kidneys are also affected by high sodium and protein diets, placing additional stress on these organs.

Comparison of Diets: Standard American vs. Healthy


Dietary Component	Standard American Diet (SAD)	Healthy Diet	Health Outcomes
Processed Foods	High (sugary snacks, packaged meals)	Low (focus on whole foods)	Increased risk of obesity, inflammation, and chronic diseases.
Fruits & Vegetables	Low	High (variety of colors)	Decreased risk of cancer, heart disease, and improved overall health.
Sodium	High (from processed foods)	Low (from cooking with fresh ingredients)	High blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke risk reduced.
Saturated Fat	High (red meat, full-fat dairy)	Moderate to Low (lean protein, healthy fats)	Higher cholesterol levels and heart disease risk decreased.
Fiber	Low	High (whole grains, legumes, produce)	Improved digestive health, better blood sugar control.
Added Sugars	High (sodas, desserts, sauces)	Low (from whole food sources)	Increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

Making a Change: Steps Towards Better Nutrition

Making dietary changes can seem daunting, but even small, consistent steps can have a major impact. The CDC offers practical tips for starting a healthy eating pattern.

Prioritize produce: Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables at every meal.
Choose whole grains: Opt for whole-wheat bread and pasta, brown rice, or quinoa instead of refined grains.
Limit added sugars: Cut back on sugary drinks and be mindful of sugars added to packaged foods.
Read nutrition labels: Pay attention to sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar content.
Cook more at home: This gives you full control over the ingredients and preparation.
Increase fiber and potassium: Focus on foods like beans, leafy greens, and bananas.
Switch to healthy fats: Use olive oil instead of butter and choose lean protein sources.

Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Health

The evidence is clear: our dietary choices have a profound and measurable impact on our health, influencing our risk for several of the leading causes of death in the United States. While heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are complex, multi-faceted conditions, improving nutrition is a powerful and accessible tool for prevention. By focusing on a balanced diet rich in whole foods and low in processed ingredients, individuals can take proactive steps to reduce their risk of chronic disease and improve their longevity. The CDC provides numerous resources to help navigate these healthy changes.

Center for Science in the Public Interest: The 10 leading causes of death in the United States

Frequently Asked Questions

Heart disease is the single leading cause of death most strongly associated with dietary factors. Risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol are significantly influenced by nutritional choices.

Poor diet increases the risk of certain cancers, primarily through its link to obesity. Diets low in fruits and vegetables and high in processed foods lack protective antioxidants and fiber.

Yes, improving your diet is one of the most effective strategies for preventing chronic diseases. Healthy eating patterns can help control risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity, thereby reducing your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

Harmful dietary components include high sodium, excessive saturated and trans fats, and high intake of added sugars and processed foods. Conversely, low intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats is also a major risk.

A poor diet raises your risk for a stroke primarily by increasing blood pressure due to high sodium intake. Unhealthy eating also contributes to the risk of other cardiovascular conditions that can lead to stroke.

Yes, chronic kidney disease is often a complication of diabetes and high blood pressure, both of which are heavily influenced by diet. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is also strongly associated with diet and obesity.

Start by increasing your intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and high-sodium items. Cook more meals at home to control ingredients and use healthy cooking methods.