Dr Giles Yeo, an NHS doctor and presenter of BBC Two's 'Trust Me, I'm a Doctor', went vegan for a month to investigate the health impacts of a plant-based diet. His experiment was monitored by Dr Duane Mellor, a dietitian and senior lecturer at Coventry University, who assessed key health markers before and after the dietary change.
After 30 days on a vegan diet, Dr Yeo lost 4kg in weight and his body fat dropped by 2%. His BMI improved by 6% and his cholesterol levels fell by 12%. Crucially, with careful meal planning guided by Dr Mellor, he did not become deficient in any essential nutrients, including iron, folate, zinc, and vitamins A, E, D, and B12.
However, Dr Mellor cautioned that maintaining such nutritional diligence over the long term can be challenging. Vegans are at risk of deficiencies in nutrients typically sourced from animal products, such as iron and vitamin B12, and may require supplements or fortified foods. The long-term health benefits of veganism remain unclear due to a lack of large-scale studies.
For those considering a vegan diet, experts recommend a gradual transition rather than abrupt changes, to ensure nutritional needs are met. The popularity of veganism has surged, with four times as many people adopting the diet compared to four years ago.
