Assessing the Health and Environmental Benefits of a New Zealand Diet Optimised for Health and Climate Protection

Population diets have impacts on both human and planetary health. This research aims to optimise a New Zealand (NZ) version of the EAT-Lancet diet model impact this population health if it was adopted in NZ. The optimisation methods used mathematical equations Excel ensure: met nutritional recommendations; diet-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions did not exceed NZ GHG boundary; costs baseline average diet. also directly mapped onto adult nutrition survey food groups, as another estimate Both were modelled using DIET multi-state life-table lifetime quality adjusted life years (QALYs), ethnic inequities system costs. optimised differed greatly from intake with large amounts fruits vegetables, some fish but no beef, lamb, pork or poultry. Modelling nationwide adoption generated savings (approximately 1.4 million QALYs), cost (around NZD 20 billion). A healthy, climate-friendly, cost-neutral is possible for and, adopted, could provide gain, reductions inequities.