Global Impacts of Western Diet and Its Effects on Metabolism and Health: A Narrative Review

Abstract

The Western diet is a modern dietary pattern characterized by high intakes of pre-packaged foods, refined grains, red meat, processed meat, high-sugar drinks, candy, sweets, fried foods, conventionally raised animal products, high-fat dairy products, and high-fructose products. The present review aims to describe the effect of the Western pattern diet on the metabolism, inflammation, and antioxidant status; the impact on gut microbiota and mitochondrial fitness; the effect of on cardiovascular health, mental health, and cancer; and the sanitary cost of the Western diet. To achieve this goal, a consensus critical review was conducted using primary sources, such as scientific articles, and secondary sources, including bibliographic indexes, databases, and web pages. Scopus, Embase, Science Direct, Sports Discuss, ResearchGate, and the Web of Science were used to complete the assignment. MeSH-compliant keywords such "Western diet", "inflammation", "metabolic health", "metabolic fitness", "heart disease", "cancer", "oxidative stress", "mental health", and "metabolism" were used. The following exclusion criteria were applied: (i) studies with inappropriate or irrelevant topics, not germane to the review's primary focus; (ii) Ph.D. dissertations, proceedings of conferences, and unpublished studies. This information will allow for a better comprehension of this nutritional behavior and its effect on an individual's metabolism and health, as well as the impact on national sanitary systems. Finally, practical applications derived from this information are made.

Keywords: cancer; cardiovascular disease; inflammation; mental disease; metabolic disease; microbiota; nutrition; physical activity.

Figure 1

Description of human evolution and the changes in eating patterns caused by increased industrialization and the marketing of processed foods. This leads to poor habits that cause inflammation, which leads to a variety of diseases.

Figure 2

Antioxidant action against the increase in ROS caused by the intake of foods that follow Western diet patterns such as sugary drinks, pastries, or fast food.

Figure 3

Changes in the most essential mitochondrial processes, such as mitochondrial functioning, dynamics, biogenesis, and mitophagy, as a result of consuming a diet rich in typical Western foods.

Figure 4

Cardiovascular risks associated with a high-fat diet and other relevant factors that may influence their development, such as genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, and alcohol or tobacco consumption.

Figure 5

Key highlights from this analysis of the Western diet that emphasize its negative effects on health and suggestions for improving these effects on your body.