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A groundbreaking multinational study published in August 2025 provides compelling evidence that adherence to predominantly plant-based dietary patterns significantly reduces the risk of developing multimorbidity — the coexistence of two or more chronic diseases — particularly cancer and cardiometabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The study, conducted by an international research team led by nutritional epidemiologist Dr. Reynalda Córdova at the University of Vienna, analyzed health and dietary data from over 400,000 adults aged 37 to 70 across six European countries: Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, and Denmark. The findings were published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity.
Key Findings
Researchers utilized extensive data from two robust European cohort studies: the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) and the UK Biobank. Their analysis revealed that adults who adhered closely to a healthy plant-based diet experienced a 32% lower risk of developing multimorbidity involving cancer and cardiometabolic diseases compared to those with lower adherence. This protective association was observed both in middle-aged adults under 60 and in older adults aged 60 and above.
Dr. Córdova emphasized, “You don’t have to cut out animal products entirely. Shifting towards a more plant-based diet can already have a positive impact.” The study distinguishes between fully vegetarian or vegan diets and predominantly plant-based diets that still include limited amounts of animal products.
The plant-based dietary pattern highlighted in the research emphasizes high consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and plant-based protein sources, with limited intake of red and processed meats and sugary beverages. This diet profile aligns with previous research showing benefits for individual diseases but goes further by demonstrating the impact on multimorbidity, a growing public health challenge.
Expert Perspectives
Dr. Jihye Kim of Kyung Hee University, a co-investigator, noted, “This study advances our understanding by addressing not just individual chronic diseases, but the constellation of multiple conditions that impair quality of life and complicate treatment in aging populations.”
Dr. Michael Jensen, a clinical epidemiologist not involved with the study, said, “The findings align with the broader evidence base linking plant-based diets to reduced inflammation, improved metabolic profiles, and lower cancer risk. This large and geographically diverse sample strengthens the case for plant-based nutrition guidelines in public health policy.”
Context and Background
Multimorbidity, defined as having two or more chronic diseases concurrently, affects millions worldwide and represents a critical burden on healthcare systems and individual well-being. Cardiometabolic diseases (diabetes, heart disease) and cancer remain among the leading causes of death globally. Lifestyle factors such as diet have been recognized as modifiable contributors to these diseases, but studies focusing on diet’s effect on multimorbidity have been limited.
This multinational investigation fills an important knowledge gap by integrating longitudinal data from diverse populations, providing robust epidemiological evidence on how dietary choices influence the complex interactions between chronic diseases over time.
Additional research from the United States shows similar trends. A 2024 prospective study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that higher adherence to a healthful plant-based diet was associated with an 11% lower incidence of complex multimorbidity in adults over 50. This includes diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, chronic lung disease, and depression, further supporting plant-based nutrition as a preventive strategy.
Implications for Public Health
The study’s findings advocate for public health interventions to promote plant-based dietary habits as an effective, scalable tool to reduce the growing multimorbidity burden, especially in aging populations. By encouraging greater consumption of nutrient-rich plant foods while minimizing processed and red meat intake, healthcare systems could potentially reduce chronic disease prevalence, improve quality of life, and lower healthcare costs.
The researchers also emphasize that moderate shifts toward plant-based eating — without necessitating complete exclusion of animal products — may be a more achievable and sustainable dietary approach for the general public.
Limitations and Balanced Perspective
While this study offers strong evidence, some limitations merit mention. The observational nature cannot establish causal relationships definitively. Dietary intake was self-reported, which may lead to recall bias. Additionally, the specific components and quality of plant-based diets varied among individuals, which can influence health outcomes.
Moreover, some conflicting perspectives exist regarding the complete removal versus reduction of animal products, with ongoing research needed to refine optimal dietary recommendations across different populations and cultural contexts.
Practical Takeaways for Readers
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Incorporating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts in daily meals can contribute to lowering the risk of developing multiple chronic diseases.
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Reducing consumption of processed and red meats, sugary beverages, and highly processed foods aligns with better health outcomes.
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Transitioning to a more plant-based diet does not require full vegetarianism or veganism; even partial shifts can be beneficial.
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Such dietary changes can complement other healthy lifestyle behaviors like physical activity, smoking cessation, and regular medical check-ups.
This study represents a major step forward in understanding how diet shapes the risk of multimorbidity and underscores the importance of nutrition in sustaining health and longevity.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any health-related decisions or changes to your treatment plan. The information presented here is based on current research and expert opinions, which may evolve as new evidence emerges.
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