The environmental impact of diet in Latin American populations: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Abstract Objective: To examine and synthesize data on the environmental impact of diet in Latin America. Design: A systematic review was conducted in April 2024, using Medline, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus databases, and updated in March 2025. We synthesized the evidence on the most reported environmental impact indicators. Meta-analysis was conducted to derive pooled estimates for individual countries of the mean dietary carbon and water footprints per person/per day; crude and energy-standardised (to 8,368 kJ (2,000 kcal)) values and stratified by dietary assessment method (DAM) and sociodemographic variables. Setting: Latin America Participants: Latin American populations Results: Of the 4,266 studies screened, 31 were included. Data on environmental impact of diet were reported for eight Latin American countries, with most coming from Brazil. Dietary water footprint ranged from 2,078 in Chile to 3,215 L/person/day/8,368 kJ in Brazil. Dietary carbon footprint ranged from 2.1 to 7.3 kgCO2-equivalents/person/day/8,368 kJ, in Peru and Argentina, respectively. The pooled standardised carbon footprint mean was 4.1 (95% CI 2.6–5.5, I2=100%) kgCO2-equivalents/person/day/8,368 kJ with no significant differences between DAM (p=0.86). A higher carbon footprint was observed in individuals with higher education level and urban residence (p<0.05). Conclusion: The available evidence suggested a wide variation in dietary environmental impact between Latin American countries, but a paucity of studies conducted in countries other than Brazil. Standardised approach to estimate the environmental impact of diet across the region, and analytical perspectives in further research would support the development of country-relevant evidence-based public policies for sustainable diets in Latin America.