Saudi Arabia
Leading cause: Heart Disease · 42% plant-based · 76.9 yr life expectancy · UHC 83/100
What People Eat
Cardiovascular and dietary profile drawn from WHO Global Health Estimates. Plant-based score reflects the share of whole plant foods (grains, legumes, vegetables, fruit, nuts) in the typical national diet.
Disease Burden
Leading cause of death: Heart Disease · 192 / 100k
Bars show each rate against the global range; the tick marks the world median.
Heart disease (192/100k) leads alongside very high diabetes and obesity, driven by a diet high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, and meat but low in whole plant foods (score 42), a sedentary life, and high smoking. Oil wealth funds broad coverage but outcomes lag the spending.
Healthcare System
Sources: WHO UHC Service Coverage Index (SDG 3.8.1) & WHO Global Health Expenditure Database. Latest available year.
What Could Improve
- Cut sugary drinks, fast food, and refined carbohydrates behind the metabolic crisis.
- Raise vegetable and legume intake, increase activity, and sustain tobacco control.
Explore the evidence: Heart Disease
WHO Global Health Estimates · 2022 · age-standardized country data
→ 192 CVD deaths per 100k · 42% plant-based diet