Plant-based diets and their impact on health, sustainability and the environment: a review of the evidence

Overview

In the WHO European Region, more and more people are shifting towards plant-based diets for reasons relating to health, as well as to ethical considerations about climate change and animal welfare. In some countries changes in dietary patterns are only just emerging, while in others this trend is increasing rapidly. Nevertheless, the evidence on the long-term health impacts of vegetarian and vegan diets remains incomplete. This fact sheet aims to review the current evidence and highlight knowledge gaps in this area.