Vegan diet beats Mediterranean diet for weight loss, scientists find

A recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition found that a low-fat vegan diet is more effective for weight loss than a Mediterranean diet in overweight adults. The four-month study randomly assigned 62 overweight adults to either a Mediterranean or a low-fat vegan diet for 16 weeks, then switched to the other diet after a four-week wash-out period. The results showed that the low-fat vegan diet reduced the body's overall acidity, which is associated with weight loss.

The key findings of the study include a significant drop in dietary acid load on the vegan diet compared to the Mediterranean diet, as well as an average weight loss of six kilograms (13.2 pounds) on the vegan diet with no significant weight change on the Mediterranean diet. The authors concluded that the alkalising effect of a vegan diet may be an independent mechanism for promoting weight loss in overweight adults. The study suggests that a low-fat vegan diet high in fruits, vegetables, pulses, and whole grains can help lower dietary acid load, support weight loss, and improve overall health.