Researchers at the University of Iowa in the United States reported that eating out frequently, defined as more than two meals away from home per day, correlates with a higher risk of death from cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other illnesses. The findings appeared in a publication associated with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
The study analyzed data from 35,084 adults aged 20 and older who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted in the United States between 1999 and 2014. Information about participants’ eating patterns was gathered through specialized interview surveys, and the observation period extended through December 2015.
Over the course of the follow-up, 2,781 participants died. Among these deaths, 511 were attributed to cardiovascular disease, 638 to cancer, and the remaining cases to other causes, including various illnesses. After adjusting for factors such as age, sex, race, socioeconomic status, lifestyle choices, and body mass index, those who dined out more than twice daily showed a higher likelihood of death from serious health conditions.
The authors emphasized that the findings do not assert that every meal prepared in cafes or restaurants is harmful. The more probable contributor is the tendency of some individuals to choose meals high in salt, fat, sugar, and overall calories when dining out. Such dietary patterns can contribute to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. The researchers also called for further studies to clarify the relationship between eating out and specific diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative conditions.
In related health news, medical experts have examined and debunked myths about insulin release after eating, highlighting the importance of balanced nutrition and regular medical guidance in managing metabolic health.