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Plant-based diets produced greater weight loss

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Results from a pilot study presented at Obesity Week 2013 showed that plant-based diets were more likely to produce greater weight loss.

“Many researchers agree that vegan eating styles are tied to lower BMI, lower prevalence of type 2 diabetes and less weight gain with age,” Brie Turner-McGrievy, PhD, of the University of South Carolina, said in a press release. “This is the first randomized study that directly compares how vegan, vegetarian and omnivorous dietary patterns that do not emphasize caloric restriction can impact body weight. We found that participants consuming vegan and vegetarian diets lost an average of 8.2 to 9.9 lb over 8 weeks while those consuming some meat lost 5.1 lb.”

The 8-week pilot weight-loss trial among overweight and obese adults (n=63; 21% black, 27% male) randomly assigned the group to one of five dietary approaches: vegan, vegetarian, pesco-vegetarian, semi-vegetarian or omnivorous. There were no caloric restrictions given and participants attended weekly meetings regarding their diets.

Mean weight loss was significantly different between groups (vegan: –4.8 ± 2.1%; vegetarian: –4.8 ± 3.2%; pesco-vegetarian: –4.3 ± 1.8%; semi-vegetarian: –3.7 ± 2.3%; omnivorous: –2.2 ± 2%) and macronutrients were significantly different among the groups, with the vegan group displaying a larger decrease in saturated fat than its counterparts.

“This pilot study could have implications for those struggling to cut back on calories to lose weight,” Adam Tsai, MD, assistant professor at the University of Colorado, said in the release. “These results show that weight loss can be achieved by following vegan and vegetarian dietary patterns that do not focus primarily on calorie restriction.”

The study is ongoing with 6-month follow-up assessment planned.

For more information:

Turner-McGrievy E. Abstract T-53-OR. Presented at: Obesity Week; Nov. 11-15, 2013; Atlanta.

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.