Dietary Patterns

Abstract

Dietary patterns are defined as the quantities, proportions, variety, or combination of different foods, drinks, and nutrients in diets, and the frequency with which they are habitually consumed. Many social, demographic, and individual factors can have influence dietary patterns. A variety of food choices may benefit or harm health over time. Inappropriate dietary patterns are associated with risk of negative consequences in terms of diet-related chronic diseases, like cardiovascular disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and/or cancer. Dietary restriction behaviors can result in eating disorders including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Diet patterns are usually fairly well established, but they can change. Understanding of human nutrition can help to create eating patterns that help to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases, and promote good health.