Plant-Based Diets Best for Weight Loss and Diabetes

A plant-based diet leads to twice as much weight loss as a traditional diabetes diet, according to research presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 77th Scientific Sessions and published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition. Researchers compared weight loss for 74 patients with type 2 diabetes on either a vegetarian or non-vegetarian diet of equal caloric value. Those in the vegetarian group lost twice as much body weight and reduced their fat in and around their muscles at a higher rate, compared with the non-vegetarian group. The vegetarian group also experienced more energy and satiety during the dietary intervention. The authors note fat reduction in the cells improves insulin sensitivity and thus more efficient metabolic rates.