Dietary patterns refer to the regular eating habits and food choices that an individual or a group follows over time. These patterns can be influenced by various factors such as cultural, social, economic, and personal preferences. Dietary patterns are often associated with specific cuisines, ethnicities, geographic regions, or socio-economic groups. They may also vary based on age, gender, and other demographic characteristics. Understanding dietary patterns is important for public health professionals to develop nutrition policies and interventions that promote healthy eating habits and prevent chronic diseases.