Western diet


A diet loosely defined as one high in saturated fats, red meats, ‘empty’ carbohydrates—junk food—and low in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, seafood, poultry
Health effects The Western diet has been linked to hypertension, heart disease, hypercholesterolaemia, diabetes, obesity, and colorectal cancer

Western diet

Public health A diet loosely defined as one high in saturated fats, red meats, 'empty' carbohydrates–junk food, and low in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, seafoods, poultry. See Junk food. Cf Food pyramid, Mediterranean diet.

Western diet

A diet with inadequate fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish, and low-fat dairy products and excessive amounts of refined and processed foods, alcohol, salt, red meats, sugary beverages, snacks, eggs, and butter. The Western diet, which is low in potassium, high in sodium, fats, and simple carbohydrates, has been implicated in many diseases, including atherosclerosis, type II diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. See also: diet