Role of nutritional interventions to reduce cardiometabolic disease burden in the community

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading global cause of death and disability, with most disability-adjusted life-years linked to modifiable risk factors. Nutrition is a scalable intervention that influences multiple cardiometabolic pathways. This review is timely because recent scientific statements and global policy frameworks highlight the need to prioritize dietary strategies in community settings to reduce CVD burden and promote equity. RECENT FINDINGS: Community-based nutritional interventions in urban settings, neighborhoods and workplaces effectively reach underserved populations by leveraging trust and cultural relevance. Dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean and DASH diets have demonstrated improvements in blood pressure, lipid profiles, and inflammation. New approaches, including intermittent fasting and the EAT-Lancet reference diet, broaden prevention options. Policy actions such as taxes, nutrition labeling, and healthier procurement standards are recognized by the WHO as cost-effective measures. SUMMARY: Community-based nutritional interventions reduce cardiometabolic risk and promote equity. Strategies include fiscal policies, healthier food environments, education, digital tools, and "Food Is Medicine" programs. Their success relies on cultural adaptation and stakeholder engagement. Evidence supports their capacity to shift norms, improve diets, and sustain long-term reductions in CVD burden.