Observational studies face challenges due to healthy user bias, impacting the establishment of direct causation between diet and health outcomes.
Controlling for all relevant variables in diet studies is difficult, leading to potential biases and misinterpretations of study results.
Many observational studies on diets reveal small effects with limited practical implications, highlighting challenges in drawing definitive conclusions about health benefits.
Deep dives
Are Observational Studies on Diets Really Effective?
Observational studies on diets often face challenges due to healthy user bias, where subjects with healthier habits are typically more likely to adhere to certain diets. This bias can skew the results and make it challenging to establish a direct causation between diet and health outcomes.
The Complexity of Controlling Variables in Studies
Controlling for all relevant variables in diet studies is difficult, as there are many lifestyle factors that can impact health outcomes. Factors like socioeconomic status, health insurance status, and other social determinants may not always be accounted for, leading to potential biases and misinterpretations of study results.
Interpreting Small Effects in Diet Studies
Many observational studies on diets reveal small effects that may not have significant practical implications. These small effect sizes, along with the limitations of study designs and biases, highlight the challenges in drawing definitive conclusions about the health benefits of specific diets.
The Influence of Socioeconomic Status on Diet and Health
Socioeconomic status plays a significant role in determining dietary choices and overall health outcomes. Factors like income, education, and access to healthcare can impact an individual's ability to maintain a certain diet and lifestyle, contributing to the complexity of diet and health research.
The Limitations of Popular Dietary Trends
The quest for the ideal diet can often lead to conflicting and inconclusive results in research. Popular dietary trends like veganism, paleo, or other specific diets may not universally apply to all individuals due to the diverse range of variables that influence diet and health outcomes.
A viral documentary says a "whole foods plant-based diet" will prevent heart disease and cure cancer. But once we look into the MEAT of the matter will we find factual CREAM of the crop or will we cry FOWL? (we're so sorry)
Thanks to Katherine Flegal for helping Mike with this episode!
