The Western dietary pattern includes high intakes of saturated fats and refined carbohydrates and low intakes of plant-based foods. Evidence links this with various chronic diseases.
The Western diet, also known as the standard American Diet (SAD), is the dietary pattern of many people in the United States.
Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables has many health benefits, such as decreasing the risk of many chronic conditions and helping maintain a moderate weight. However, only around
A 2019 study found that dietary factors drive more than $50 billion in annual healthcare costs in the U.S. related to conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke.
This article examines the SAD and the related risks and deficiencies it may cause. It also discusses health conditions associated with the SAD and the socioeconomic factors that affect dietary patterns.
The SAD is a diet high in processed foods, saturated fats, and carbohydrates.
According to the
Components
People consuming the SAD may have a high intake of the following:
- sodium
- red meats
- trans fats
- saturated fats
- processed meats
- refined grains
- high fat dairy products
- sugar-sweetened beverages
- ultra-processed foods (UPFs)
- alcohol
Healthy diet components
The SAD is not a balanced diet.
According to the
A healthy dietary pattern may include:
- grains, half of which are whole grains
- fruits in all colors, especially whole fruits
- vegetables in a variety of colors, including beans, peas, and lentils
- fat-free or low fat dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, cheese, or lactose-free alternatives
- lean protein, such as poultry, eggs, seafood, nuts, and soy products
- healthy fats, such as olive oil, nuts, and avocado
A balanced diet ensures people get all the essential nutrients required to maintain good health.
However, the SAD is low in several vital micronutrients, which may lead to impaired immune function and negatively affect health.
The following percentages of the U.S. population have inadequate levels of key immune-related micronutrients:
- Vitamin A: 45%
- Vitamin C: 46%
- Vitamin D: 95%
- Vitamin E: 84%
- Zinc: 15%
As well as the items in the list in the previous section, people can aim to include the following in their diet to meet their daily nutrient requirements:
- oils
- seeds
- lean meats
- seafood
Eating the SAD over a long period can contribute to the development of certain conditions, including the following:
Overweight and obesity
According to the
Many factors — such as genetics, activity levels, and socioeconomic status — contribute to obesity. One significant factor
The SAD includes vast amounts of UPFs, which are high in calories, sugar, salt, and fat and contain minimal whole foods. Examples of UPFs include:
- white bread
- sweetened breakfast cereals
- savory snacks
- candy
- cookies
- cakes
- ice cream
- pizza with fatty processed meat toppings
- sausages, lunch meats, and bacon
Research suggests that consuming large quantities of UPFs may play a significant role in obesity.
A
Learn more about obesity.
Heart disease and stroke
Heart disease is the
In 2021,
Certain diet-related factors
- a diet high in cholesterol, saturated fats, and trans fats
- a high intake of added sugars
- too much sodium
- too much alcohol
A low quality diet
Research indicates that the SAD is a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
Another 2021 analysis examined the link between fried foods in the Western diet and heart disease. Compared with the lowest levels of consumption, high levels of fried food consumption were associated with:
- a 28% higher risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack or stroke
- a 22% increased risk of heart disease
- a 37% heightened risk of heart failure
Type 2 diabetes
Around
People typically have an
A 2023 research model of dietary intake suggests there could be a
A
Cancer
The SAD may increase the risk of certain types of cancer.
Research suggests that while Western diets high in red meats, fat, and added sugars tend to
According to the CDC, there is an association between overweight and obesity and a higher risk of
Individuals may be able to maintain a moderate weight and lower their risk of obesity-related cancers by following a healthy eating plan and getting regular physical activity.
Learn more about cancer.
Social and economic factors impact the dietary choices available to individuals in a community. These factors may include income, education, employment, and social support.
A
- were younger
- were Native American, Alaska Native, or Black
- had lower income and educational levels
- lived in a nonmetropolitan area
- lived in a food desert, a place where residents have limited access to healthful foods
- had never married
- worked full time
- had obesity
- reported minimal exercise
- smoked tobacco
- consumed less alcohol
- had two or more chronic medical conditions
- were less likely to cook at home and more likely to buy meals from fast-food and full-service restaurants
These findings can help identify communities at the highest risk of adverse outcomes from poor diet to determine future strategies toward reaching health equality.
Learn more about food deserts.
The Western diet, or “standard American diet” (SAD), is the dietary pattern of many people in the U.S. It is high in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates. It is low in fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods.
The SAD provides inadequate levels of micronutrients, which may lead to deficiencies in zinc and Vitamins A, C, D, and E. Research also links SAD with health conditions such as obesity, heart disease, and stroke.
There are links between many socioeconomic factors and a poor diet, including having a low income and living in a rural area. Knowing these factors, experts need to formulate strategies to improve dietary options across communities.
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