The Truth About Plant-Based Diets and Weight Loss
Going plant-based won’t cause you to miraculously lose weight overnight.
But while plant-based diets have gained popularity in recent years as a healthy and sustainable way to lose weight and improve overall health, what does the science say about plant-based diets and weight loss?
Let’s take a closer look.
What is a Plant-Based Diet?
A plant-based diet is a way of eating that focuses on whole, minimally processed foods that come from plants. This includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
A plant-based diet can be vegetarian or vegan, but it doesn’t have to be. For example, some people follow a mostly plant-based diet while still including small amounts of animal products like meat, dairy, and eggs.
Plant-Based Diets and Weight Loss
One of the main reasons people turn to plant-based diets is for weight loss.
And the science supports this. Several studies have found that people who follow plant-based diets tend to have lower body mass indexes (BMIs) and are less likely to be obese than those who follow a standard Western diet that includes more meat, dairy, and processed foods.
