ABSTRACT
Historically, observational studies have set the foundation for a relationship between plant-based dietary patterns and healthy weight status. Vegetarians, especially vegans, tend to weigh less than nonvegetarians and have a lower prevalence of overweight or obesity. Multiple studies, utilizing vegan and vegetarian dietary interventions, have demonstrated that plant-based diets may be successfully utilized in weight management treatment of overweight or obese individuals. Reduced energy, fat, and animal protein intake, and increased carbohydrate, fiber, whole grain, fruit, vegetable, and phytochemical intake, help to explain some of the weight management benefits of these patterns.
