Statistical misuse caused the mistrust for heavy discourse in the medical sphere for over 60 years (3).
(CrossFit Inc.)
Citations
1.Association, N. L. (n.d.). The lipid hypothesis. National Lipid Association Online. https://www.lipid.org/lipid-spin/summer-2022/lipid-hypothesis
2. Wikimedia Foundation. (2024, November 17). Lipid hypothesis. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipid_hypothesis
3. Newport, M. T., & Dayrit, F. M. (2024, May 11). The lipid-heart hypothesis and the keys equation defined the dietary guidelines but ignored the impact of trans-fat and high linoleic acid consumption. Nutrients. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11123895/
Finally, in 2023, the World Heart Association confirmed that high LDL lead to a higher risk of CVD after much additional research. The stigma and misinformation around this could have been greatly avoided given the correct framing of data.(3)
Using data from all 22 countries would have produced a weaker correlation.
Statistical Misuse
The Seven Countries Study
In 1955, Keys presented his findings at a conference in Geneva and was met with criticism. In response to this, he began an elaborate study across several different countries to observe the heart attack risk of men in relation to their culture and their diet, particularily the relative proportion of fat. (2)
Fat or Fiction?
The Misleading Statistics and Debate Behind the Lipid Hypothesis
How did the Lipid Hypothesis Come to Be?
During the 20th century, there was a concern in an evolving cardiovascular disease(CVD) related death epidemic. In light of this Ancel Keys underwent a study in relation to the lipid hypothesis to investigate a possible correlation between dietary habits and CVD. (2)
What is the Lipid Hypothesis?
The lipid hypothesis is the theory that high cholesterol intake, especially that of LDL, leads to increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. (1)
Issues and Lasting Effects
Using data from only seven countries strengthened the hypothesis.
Out of 23 countries observed, 16 were excluded.
Only 7 were considered.