Plant-Based Diets Better for Weight Loss

A plant-based diet leads to more weight loss, according to findings presented at the Obesity Society’s annual conference. Researchers followed 63 obese and overweight adults on an eight-week weight-loss program based on five different dietary patterns: vegan, vegetarian, semi-vegetarian, pesco-vegetarian, and omnivorous. Each regimen encouraged low-fat, low-glycemic index foods without caloric restrictions and offered support from weekly classes. Of the five groups, the participants following the plant-based diets lost the most weight, compared with those following the nonvegetarian diets. The researchers suggest plant-based diets may work better for weight loss, because they do not focus on portion control or calorie counting.