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Overeating increases the risk of stroke
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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A review published in the journal Lancet Neurology says many stroke prevention studies were based on inaccurate information. The same goes for studies that looked at potential benefits of specific nutrients and foods. The researchers say the risk of stroke is likely increased by excess energy intake, or overeating.
Graham Hankey, from the Royal Perth Hospital in Australia, explains: "The overall quality of a person's diet (ie dietary pattern) and the balance between energy intake and expenditure are more important factors in the risk of stroke than individual nutrients and foods."
There are currently approximately 1.46 billion obese adults and 170 million overweight children worldwide, two-thirds of whom are in the United States. If the obesity epidemic is not reversed, by 2050, 60% of men and 50% of women will be obese.
Stroke is the third most common cause of death in developed countries, so it is important to take steps to prevent this disease by eliminating risk factors such as poor diet. Even though poor diet and excessive calorie intake are known to increase the risk of stroke, scientists still know little about which nutrients and foods affect the risk of stroke.
This may be because there have been almost no randomized trials to date that provide reliable evidence, and the few that have been conducted have shown that dietary supplements such as vitamins, antioxidants, and calcium not only do not reduce the risk of stroke, but actually increase the likelihood of heart attack and death.
Research evidence, which does not prove cause and effect, suggests that stroke risk can be reduced by reducing salt intake, eating a low-sugar diet, a diet high in potassium, or a diet rich in vegetables, fish, fruits, nuts, and whole grains.
Hankey says: "More research is now needed to accurately assess and understand the role of diet in the causes and consequences of stroke. The results of this research will be critical in developing and implementing strategies to minimise the global incidence of stroke."
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