Planetary health diets: sustainable nutrition transition for obesity epidemic and eco-environmental sustainability in the Anthropocene

This paper provides an analytical perspective on the historical evolution of food patterns during periods of transition, with a focus on the arising concerns surrounding the obesity epidemic and eco-environmental sustainability in this new epoch of the Anthropocene. Dietary risk factors have emerged as the second and third leading causes of global attributable deaths, alongside their significant influence on the actual and potential catastrophic effects on eco-environmental sustainability. These unprecedented challenges call for new perspectives in addressing this evolving nutritional health literacy, aimed at facilitating sustainable nutrition transition in this new era. Planetary health diets are proposed as a solution-oriented framework for guiding dietary practices during the Anthropocene’s transitional period. This paper explores planetary health diets as a key trend in nutritional health, emphasizing their role in sustaining food systems and eco-environments within the broader concepts of planetary health and ecological public health. Methodologically, content and thematic analyses were used to identify key issues and critical insights arising from the complex interplay of interrelated dynamics. These include (1) diet-induced obesity and its associated health risks, (2) the historical evolution of food patterns and nutrition transitions, (3) comparisons between animal-based and plant-based foods in relation to their impacts on greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water consumption, and (4) the application of safety limits derived from the scientific indicators of the planetary boundaries framework. The findings underscore that planetary health diets are central to sustainable nutrition transitions, aligning with historical trends during this era of eco-environmental and climate-mediated health risks in the Anthropocene. In light of these global challenges, this paper emphasizes the importance of advancing scientific nutritional knowledge through multidisciplinary approaches, forming part of transformative processes that promote a holistic understanding of global dietary challenges. Key recommendations include prioritizing the advocacy of planetary health diets as part of lifestyle medicine interventions in nutrition, alongside curriculum reform to enhance nutritional health literacy and foster sustainable nutrition transitions through ecological public health education. A multifaceted, transdisciplinary approach to ecological public health education, integrated with the planetary boundaries framework, is strongly recommended to address the complex interactions of dietary practices and achieve sustainable nutrition transitions. These synergies provide actionable solutions to combat the obesity epidemic and promote eco-environmental sustainability. Universities, as global institutions, are uniquely positioned to lead collaborative efforts in advancing these transformative initiatives.