Vegan Diet Outperforms Mediterranean Diet For Weight Loss In Head-To-Head Study

A 16-week crossover trial involving 62 overweight adults found that a low-fat vegan diet produced more weight loss than the Mediterranean diet. Each participant followed both eating plans in random order, separated by a four-week break period. The vegan group consumed only fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes with zero animal products. Mediterranean dieters followed the PREDIMED protocol, eating at least two daily vegetable servings, two to three fruit servings, and using 50 grams of extra virgin olive oil daily. The findings raise questions about plant-based dietary scoring systems for vegan diets. Plant-based foods contain more fiber per calorie and lower energy density than animal products, helping people feel full while consuming fewer calories. (Story URL)