| Title: | Adherence to the Eatwell Guide and associations with markers of physical function: a prospective analysis within the UK Biobank cohort |
| Journal: | GeroScience |
| Published: | 16 Jul 2026 |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-026-02414-5 |
Publication 20262
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Abstract
The Eatwell Guide represents the UK's principal healthy eating model and understanding whether adherence to UK dietary recommendations can attenuate age-related functional decline is essential to inform healthy ageing strategies. In up to 157,457 participants from the UK Biobank, we explored cross-sectional and prospective associations between adherence to the Eatwell Guide and markers of physical function (grip strength, fat-free mass percentage, self-reported walking pace, and falls). Eatwell Guide adherence scores were derived from 24-h dietary recall data (Oxford WebQ), and quantified using a graded, food-based scoring system. Differences between population subgroups including by age, sex, physical activity, and protein intake level were explored. Higher Eatwell Guide adherence was cross-sectionally associated with higher grip strength, greater fat-free mass percentage, higher odds of brisk walking pace, and lower odds of falls (all p < 0.001). Prospectively, greater adherence was associated with attenuated fat-free mass decline (β = 0.02, SE = 0.001, p < 0.001) and slower grip strength decline (β = 0.01, SE = 0.002, p < 0.01). For walking pace, the positive cross-sectional association attenuated over follow-up (EWG × time interaction OR = 0.998, 95% CI 0.997-0.999, p = 0.002), whereas the protective association with falls remained stable over time (OR = 1.000, 95% CI 0.998-1.000, p = 0.89). Higher Eatwell Guide adherence was associated with preserved muscle mass, modest attenuation of grip strength decline over time, and a reduced risk of falls, supporting its relevance for musculoskeletal health and physical function in aging populations.</p>
7 Authors
- Alex Griffiths
- Sarah Gregory
- Fiona C. Malcomson
- Kirstie Cronin
- Jamie Matu
- Louisa Ells
- Oliver M. Shannon
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