Plant-Based Caloric Restriction Superior for Weight Loss, Other Metabolic Benefits

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A trial presented at the ADA 85th Scientific Sessions found plant‑based calorie restriction achieved similar weight loss as standard diets, with added benefits for uric acid and other markers.

Research presented at the 85th American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions examined the benefits of plant-based caloric restriction diets (PB-CRDs), which use plant-based foods and caloric restriction, compared with conventional calorie-restricted diets (CRDs) on weight loss, body composition, and metabolic health.

The study team, which noted that these plant-based diets represent a new approach to obesity management, conducted a 12-week, open-label, noninferiority trial. Researchers randomly assigned 80 participants with obesity (BMI, ≥28 kg/m²) aged 18 to 45 years to a PB-CRD in a ‘5+2’ pattern, with plant-based meals 5 days per week and 2 free-eating days, or a CRD plan of daily calorie restriction, with a target of 1,600 kcal/d for men and 1,300 kcal/d for women.

Weight loss served as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included body composition and markers of glucose and lipid metabolism.

Weight Loss & Other Benefits With PB-CRD

Among the 80 participants, the mean BMI was 32.03±3.46 kg/m², and the mean age was 34.78 years; patients were primarily men (n=31). Of those enrolled, 52 participants completed the trial.

Researchers reported that both groups achieved significant weight loss (PB-CRD, −6.56 kg [95% CI, −7.81 to −5.30], CRD, −5.11 kg [95% CI, −6.51 to −3.71]), with no significant difference between groups.

However, participants in the PB-CRD group achieved a significant decrease in total body fat percentage compared with the CRD group (−2.96% vs −0.81%), levels of uric acid, and superoxide dismutase activity with an increase in blood urea nitrogen compared with patients in the CRD group (all P values between-group, <0.05). In glucose metabolism, the PB-CRD group showed marked pre- and post-intervention improvements as well as a significant increase in the Matsuda index. Lipid metabolism also improved but did not differ significantly between groups, the study authors noted.

According to the researchers, these findings show that both the PB-CRD and CRD resulted in weight loss, but the PB-CRD was associated with additional metabolic benefits, particularly regarding glucose and lipid metabolism, and therefore support a PB-CRD as a promising dietary strategy for obesity.