A major national study has found that women who follow a healthy diet live longer. The 17-year review tracked the eating habits and health outcomes of 9,584 women aged 74–79 in the 1946–1951 cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH). Conducted by The George Institute for Global Health and the University of Newcastle, the study found that women whose diets aligned closely with Australian Dietary Guidelines or a Mediterranean-style eating pattern had a 40% lower risk of death compared to those with poorer diets.
Lead author Dr. Briar McKenzie, Senior Research Fellow at The George Institute, said this is the largest study to date showing a strong link between healthy eating patterns and longevity specifically in women.
“Most people know that eating lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and pulses is healthy,” she said. “But this study clearly confirms the connection between such diets and reduced mortality in Australian women.”
Interestingly, the study found only a limited association between diet and two leading causes of death—cardiovascular disease and dementia—highlighting the need for more sex-specific research in nutrition science.
“This shows why we must separate male and female data in nutrition research,” said Dr. McKenzie. “Pooling data often masks important differences in disease risk and response to dietary interventions.”
While cancer was the leading cause of death in the study, the researchers say that dietary impacts on heart disease and dementia may emerge more clearly as the population ages.
A Call for Support and Better Policy
Laureate Professor Clare Collins, co-author and Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Newcastle, emphasized that diets based on home-cooked, fresh food offer the most health benefits for women. However, she warned that misleading diet fads targeting women on social media are undermining public understanding.
“Fad diets often promise unrealistic results. Instead, women should follow the principles of the Australian Dietary Guidelines or adopt a Mediterranean-style pattern,” Collins advised.
She also stressed the need for personalized advice from qualified dietitians, especially for women with specific health risks such as heart disease, nutrient deficiencies, or chronic conditions like osteoporosis.
Food Environments and Gendered Impact
Dr. McKenzie noted that women, who often bear the brunt of meal planning and preparation, are also more vulnerable to Australia’s increasingly obesogenic food environments. Time constraints and affordability issues make ultra-processed and packaged foods an easy option, despite their health risks.
“There’s a case for both government and the food industry to step up,” she said, suggesting actions like reviewing portion sizes, limiting ultra-processed content, and regulating food marketing—particularly through a sex- and gender-informed lens.
Guideline Review Overdue for Reform
Australia’s Dietary Guidelines are currently under review. However, there is no stated plan to expand focus beyond reproductive health to encompass broader female health needs, such as diet’s role in preventing cancer, heart disease, and dementia—the top killers of older women.
The ALSWH remains Australia’s largest and longest-running women’s health study, offering critical insight into women’s health across the lifespan. Since 1996, it has informed countless public health policies. As the evidence base grows, researchers urge policymakers to ensure that future guidelines reflect the diverse and evolving health needs of Australian women.
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