Australian women who eat according to the Dietary Guidelines or follow a Mediterranean-style diet are 40% more likely to live into their mid-to-late 70s. This is the key finding from the largest study of women’s long-term eating habits in Australia, published in The Journal of Nutrition.
Large Study Tracks 9,584 Women Over 17 Years
Researchers analyzed data from 9,584 women aged 74-79, who had been part of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health since 1946-1951. The study tracked their diets and health outcomes over 17 years. Better diets were linked to a significantly lower risk of death.
Better Diets Lower Overall Risk of Death by 40%
Women whose diets aligned with Australian Dietary Guidelines or Mediterranean-style eating had a 40% reduced risk of dying during the study period. However, links between diet and heart disease or dementia were less clear. Cancer was the leading cause of death in the group.
Expert Highlights Importance of Healthy Eating for Women
Dr. Briar McKenzie, lead author and Senior Research Fellow at The George Institute for Global Health, said this is the largest study showing a direct link between healthy diets and longer life in Australian women. She stressed that better quality diets reduce death risk from all causes compared to poor diets high in junk food.
Need for More Female-Focused Nutrition Research
Dr. McKenzie noted the limited findings on diet’s role in heart disease and dementia for women. She called for more research focused specifically on women, as current studies often combine men’s and women’s data, which can mask important differences.
Rising Obesity and Health Risks Among Australian Women
In 2022, 61% of Australian women were overweight or obese. Over 2.6 million women over age 15 suffer from diseases like Type 2 diabetes. These trends highlight the urgent need for better dietary guidance and health support.
Cooking Fresh Food at Home Best for Longevity
Professor Clare Collins, co-author and nutrition expert at the University of Newcastle, said healthy diets based on fresh, home-cooked meals were best for women. She warned against fad diets and unproven supplements aggressively marketed to women on social media.
Tailored Nutrition Advice Key for Women with Health Risks
Professor Collins recommended women with specific health risks, like heart disease or osteoporosis, get personalized advice from qualified dietitians. Healthy eating should match individual needs, especially for those with family history or medical conditions.
Food Environment Challenges Women’s Healthy Eating
Dr. McKenzie pointed out that women often juggle many roles and time pressures, making packaged, processed foods a convenient choice. She urged the food industry and government to support women better by reviewing portion sizes, ultra-processed food content, and marketing from a gender perspective.
Australian Dietary Guidelines Under Review
The current Dietary Guidelines are being updated but do not yet focus on women’s dietary needs beyond reproductive health. The study suggests more attention is needed on diet’s role in leading causes of death for women, such as cancer and heart disease.
Study Background and Methodology
Participants reported their diet over 12 months using a detailed food questionnaire. Health outcomes were tracked through hospital records, aged care data, and death registries until 2020. The research was funded by the Heart Foundation and supported by national health grants.
About the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health
ALSWH is Australia’s largest and longest-running survey on women’s health. It follows over 57,000 women across four age groups, providing valuable data to inform health policies. The study is managed by the Universities of Newcastle and Queensland and funded by the Australian Government.
