Eating Behavior and Chronic Diseases: Research Evidence from Population Studies

Eating behavior is a major lifestyle-related influencing factor of non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs), particularly overweight/obesity, and metabolism syndrome (MetS). Typically, eating behavior refers not only to dietary patterns but also to nutrient intake. From the public health perspective, population-based evidence regarding healthy eating is of significance for policy developments regarding NCDs prevention.

Eating behavior is time and economic status dependent, which may change as age or/and socio-economic status changes. This occurs not only in developing societies but also in economically settled communities. Therefore, although relationships between eating behaviors (dietary pattern, nutrients intake) and specific NCDs have been examined in different societies, further investigations of population-level associations between eating behavior and NCDs in different subpopulations (general community residents, elders/children, or patients, etc), especially the interaction of eating behavior and other influences (e.g., physical activity) on NCDs, remains of continuing importance. Meanwhile, updating the dietary patterns and nutrient intake levels of different subpopulations is also necessary.