New star rating system published in Nature Me

Seattle, Washington, October 10, 2022 — Clarify the often complex and contradictory health guidance that associates specific diets, behaviors and conditions with disease.Analysis performed by researchers from published today natural medicineThe IHME analyzed the strength of evidence for 180 pairs of risk factors and health outcomes, including smoking and lung cancer, low vegetable diets and type 2 diabetes, and systolic hypertension and ischemic heart disease. Findings are presented in an easy-to-understand star rating system that indicates the strength of evidence for each link. The new star rating system is intended to help people make personal health decisions, inform health policies, and guide future research.

“Extensive research has been conducted on the associations between various risks and health outcomes, but findings often vary widely from study to study,” said the director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Dr. Christopher Murray, lead author of the study, explains. “One of the goals of this new star rating system is to eliminate confusion so that consumers can make informed decisions about diet, exercise and other activities that can affect their long-term health. It’s about doing it.”

The IHME has found that in many areas the associations between risk factors and health outcomes are weaker than some believe. Nearly two-thirds (112 out of 180) of the risk-consequence pairs examined were rated only one or two stars. These include widely publicized combinations such as a diet high in unprocessed red meat and ischemic stroke (1 star). In other cases, IHME analysis confirmed a widely held consensus. Eight risk-outcome pairs received a five-star rating, including smoking and lung cancer, and systolic hypertension and ischemic heart disease. A list of star ratings, including data visualization tools, Additional star ratings will be added in the near future.

This analysis takes into account the magnitude of risk indicated by previous studies and the consistency of results across those studies. Star ratings are based on the most conservative interpretation of available evidence, limiting the impact of errors or biases in the underlying data. A 1-star rating indicates that there may not be a true association between behavior or condition and health status. 2 stars indicated that the behavior or condition was associated with at least 0–15% change in the likelihood of health outcome, 3 stars indicated at least 15–50% change, and 4 stars indicated at least It shows a change of 50-85%. , 5 stars indicate a change of 85% or more.

For example, a five-star rating for smoking and lung cancer means that smoking increases the chance of developing or dying from lung cancer by 85% or more. On the other side of the scale, a 1-star rating for red meat and ischemic stroke means that there may be no association.

Notable evaluations of this study include:

“Our analysis not only helps consumers, but also guides policy makers in developing health and wellness education programs, enabling them to focus on the risk factors that have the greatest impact on health. ,” said Dr. Emmanuela Gakidou, Professor of Health Indicator Science at the Institute. She received her PhD in Health Metrics and Evaluation and she is also the lead author of this study. “Health researchers can also use this analysis to identify areas where current evidence is weak and more definitive research is needed.” They note that meta-analytic approaches should not replace expert deliberations, but they can provide useful information to expert committees and advisory groups making formal health policy recommendations.

Analysis of IHME pulled from landmarks celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and will be updated regularly. Star ratings may change as more data becomes available as a result of constantly evolving research. true in case. On the other hand, the evidence is already strong, so high star ratings are unlikely to change significantly.

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publication will be available online when the embargo is lifted.

Burden of proof studies: Evaluating the evidence of risk

Health Effects Associated with Consumption of Unprocessed Red Meat: A Burden of Proof Study

Health effects associated with vegetable consumption: a burden of proof study

Smoking-Related Health Effects: A Burden of Proof Study

Effect of elevated systolic blood pressure on ischemic heart disease: a burden of proof study

Global Burden of Disease Research in 30 Years

journalists are Until Monday, October 10, 11:00 AM ET.

journalists too Includes embargo interviews with some authors.

About the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation
of An independent global health research organization at the University of Washington School of Medicine, it provides rigorous and comparable measurements of the world’s most important health problems and evaluates the strategies used to address them. IHME values ​​transparency and makes this information widely available. This gives policy makers the evidence they need to make informed decisions about allocating resources to improve the health of the population.

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