Survey: Half of U.S. Adults Resolve to Start a New Diet in 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Nearly half of U.S. adults say starting a new diet is one of their New Year’s resolutions, according to a new Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine/Morning Consult survey. More than 80% of respondents said the cost of groceries is important when choosing a weight-loss plan, but only 6% say they’ll try a plant-based or vegan diet, which research shows is among the least expensive and most effective for losing weight and keeping it off.

The poll included 2,201 women and men interviewed Dec. 2 to 3. When asked which diets they plan to try, 42% said they are going to attempt to eat fewer calories, while 28% said they’ll go on a low-carbohydrate diet, such as keto, Atkins, or South Beach. Just 6% plan to begin eating a plant-based diet despite evidence that shows it’s not only effective, but also less expensive, better for the environment, and provides protection from a variety of diseases.

Obesity and overweight have become chronic health problems in the United States. Data shows that in 23 states, more than 1 in 3 adults is obese. And across the country, 3 out of 4 adults are obese or overweight.

Barnard Medical Center Clinical Director Vanita Rahman, MD, says, “Fad diets are not the solution. Those interested in losing weight should consider a plant-based plan. It’s an evidence-backed way of eating that’s not intended as a temporary quick fix. It’s a lifestyle that promotes the shedding of excess pounds, can reverse or prevent many diseases, and reduce grocery costs.”

Research supports this.

• In the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine’s 2013 GEICO study of 292 obese or overweight GEICO Insurance Company employees with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes at 10 sites across the United States, participants followed either a low-fat vegan diet or no diet for 18 weeks. Those who followed a low-fat vegan diet lost an average of 9.5 pounds, significantly decreased total and LDL cholesterol, and, in individuals with diabetes, decreased hemoglobin A1c by an average of 0.7 percentage points.
• In another Physicians Committee study, from 2018, overweight individuals who followed a plant-based diet for 16 weeks lost 14.3 pounds, on average, while individuals in a control group experienced no significant change in weight.
• Physicians Committee research published in JAMA Network Open in 2024 showed a low-fat vegan diet cut food costs by 19%, or $1.80 per day, when compared with a Standard American Diet that included meat, dairy, and other animal products. The decrease in costs on the low-fat vegan diet was mainly attributable to savings of $2.90 per day on meat, 50 cents per day on dairy products, and 50 cents per day on added fats. These savings outweighed the increased spending of 50 cents per day on vegetables, 30 cents per day on grains, and 50 cents per day on meat alternatives on the vegan diet.

“A lot of people start the year by trying to eat less, but strict calorie cutting isn’t something most of us can keep up with,” said Xavier Toledo, a registered dietitian with the 17,000-doctor-member Physicians Committee. “When meals focus on whole plant-based foods, you can eat to comfortable fullness and still support healthy, steady weight loss.

“A good way to get started,” he said, “is to make simple swaps. Try replacing beef with beans, leaning on whole foods like grains, vegetables, and lentils, and choosing produce that’s in season. These changes can support healthy weight loss and help keep grocery costs down.”

For free plant-based resources, check out PCRM.org and sign up for the 21-Day Vegan Kickstart.

Note to reporters: To arrange an interview with Dr. Rahman or Mr. Toledo, please contact Kim Kilbride at 202-717-8665 or kkilbride [at] pcrm.org.