Cutting Processed Meat by 30% Prevents 350,000 Diabetes Cases
Significant Health Benefits Achieved by Reducing Processed Meat Consumption in the US
A recent study suggests that cutting down on processed meat intake by about one-third could prevent over 350,000 cases of diabetes in the US over the next decade. This reduction, equivalent to eating ten fewer slices of bacon per week, could also significantly decrease cases of cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer.
Research Findings
The research, conducted by the University’s Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, utilized a simulation tool to assess the health impacts of reducing both processed and unprocessed red meat consumption. Previous studies have shown links between high processed meat intake and chronic diseases, but this study is unique in evaluating multiple health outcomes.
Methodology
Researchers created a microsimulation using data from a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) national health survey, representing the US adult population. This simulation estimated the effects of reducing meat consumption on risks of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, colorectal cancer, and overall mortality. The impacts were analyzed across different demographics, including age, sex, household income, and ethnicity.
Significant Health Benefits
A 30% reduction in processed meat consumption could prevent 92,500 cases of cardiovascular disease and 53,300 cases of colorectal cancer over ten years. The benefits were most pronounced among white males and individuals with annual household incomes between $25,000 and $55,000.
The researchers also examined the effects of reducing both processed and unprocessed red meat. A 30% reduction in both led to a substantial decrease in disease cases, including 1,073,400 fewer diabetes cases, 382,400 fewer cardiovascular disease cases, and 84,400 fewer colorectal cancer cases. Reducing only unprocessed red meat intake by 30% could prevent over 732,000 diabetes cases, 291,500 cardiovascular disease cases, and 32,200 colorectal cancer cases.
Remaining Uncertainties
While the study highlights significant health benefits from reducing meat consumption, uncertainties remain, particularly regarding the impact of unprocessed red meat. The average daily intake of unprocessed red meat is higher than processed meat, which may explain the more substantial reduction in disease cases when unprocessed red meat consumption is reduced.
References:
- Jaacks, L. M., Vandevijvere, S., Pan, A., et al. (2024). Health and environmental impacts of reducing processed meat consumption: A microsimulation study in the United States. The Lancet Planetary Health, Article.
- University of Edinburgh. (2024). Cutting processed meat intake brings health benefits. News Release.
