Abstract
In this chapter, we will provide a first overview of the role of nutrition on our health and risk for disease. During the past 50 years a significant lifestyle change has happened to nearly all humans worldwide. This is characterized by the use of energy-rich, highly processed food paired with reduced physical activity. Diet is one of the key environmental factors particularly involved in the pathogenesis and progression of many chronic non-communicable diseases, such as obesity, T2D and CVDs like hypertension, myocardial infarction and stroke as well as cancer. We will describe the evidence of dietary factors for these diseases and the impact of physical activity on their prevention.