Switching to a vegan diet may be more effective than a Mediterranean diet for jump-starting weight loss, according to a new study published in Frontiers in Nutrition. Researchers found that a low-fat vegan diet significantly reduced the body's dietary acid load, which is linked to inflammation and weight gain.
The study involved 62 overweight adults who followed either a vegan or Mediterranean diet for 16 weeks, then switched after a four-week cleansing period. The vegan diet led to an average weight loss of up to 5 kg (13 lbs), while the Mediterranean diet showed no significant change.
Lead author Dr Hana Kahleova explained that acid-producing foods such as meat, eggs, and dairy increase dietary acid load, causing inflammation. Replacing these with alkalising plant foods like leafy greens, berries, and legumes can promote weight loss and a healthy gut microbiome.
Researchers noted that the weight loss on the vegan diet persisted even after adjusting for calorie intake, suggesting an independent mechanism. They recommend alkalising foods including broccoli, beets, lentils, and quinoa to support weight loss.
