A recent study demonstrated that individuals following a vegan diet experienced weight loss compared to those adhering to an omnivorous diet. The research, involving 22 pairs of identical twins, highlighted the potential cardiovascular health benefits of a vegan diet. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association on November 30, involved one twin following an omnivorous diet and the other a vegan diet for eight weeks. Prepared meals were provided during the initial four weeks, and participants self-prepared meals with dietitian assistance during the subsequent four weeks. Both diets included a variety of healthy foods, differing only in the presence of meat products in the omnivorous diet. By the study’s end, the vegan diet twin exhibited lower levels of LDL cholesterol, often considered “bad” cholesterol that can contribute to artery blockages.
In terms of LDL-C, a healthy level is typically under 100 milligrams per deciliter. At the trial’s start, vegans averaged 110.7, and omnivores averaged 118.5. By the study’s end, the vegan group decreased to 95.5, while the omnivores dropped to 116.1. Additionally, the vegan participants showed lower fasting insulin levels and an average weight loss of 4.2 pounds compared to their omnivore counterparts.
Utilizing identical twins in the study controlled for confounding factors related to genetics and social environment, enhancing the study’s reliability. The research acknowledged the diversity in vegan diets and addressed this by closely monitoring participants’ food intake. While the study faced challenges, such as a small sample size and reported lower dietary satisfaction among vegans, the majority expressed intent to continue their vegan habits post-study. The findings underscore the importance of considering individual preferences when promoting healthier diets.
