Low-fat vegan diet cuts dietary energy density about 30% in 16-week trial
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A 16-week randomized trial of adults with overweight found that an ad libitum low-fat vegan diet reduced dietary energy density by about 30%, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open. Calorie intake fell by roughly 357 kcal/day in the vegan group, and greater reductions in energy density were tied to greater weight loss even without calorie restriction. The vegan diet removed meat, dairy, and eggs while increasing vegetables and legumes, allowing participants to eat similar food weight.
Key Facts
- In a 16-week randomized trial, participants on an ad libitum low-fat vegan diet reduced dietary energy density by about 30%, while the control group's energy density was essentially unchanged.
- Calorie intake declined in both groups, but the decrease in the vegan group was about 357 kcal/day, larger than in the control group.
- Total weight of food consumed did not change significantly in either group, meaning the vegan group ate about the same amount of food by weight.
- Larger reductions in energy density were associated with greater weight loss, even after accounting for changes in calorie intake.
- The findings were published in JAMA Network Open by researchers including lead author Hana Kahleova, MD, PhD, of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.
Trial Design
Researchers analyzed a 16-week randomized trial involving adults with overweight assigned to an ad libitum low-fat vegan diet or a control group that continued eating as usual. Neither group received a calorie target or instructions to limit food intake. Researchers measured dietary energy density by dividing total daily energy intake (kcal per day) by total food weight (grams per day). The vegan diet centered on fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes and excluded calorie-dense animal foods such as meat, dairy, and eggs.
Energy Density and Weight Loss
The total weight of food consumed did not change significantly in either group, so the vegan group continued eating about the same amount of food by weight. Calorie intake declined in both groups, but the decrease was larger in the vegan group at about 357 kcal/day. Energy density remained essentially unchanged in the control group but fell by about 30% in the vegan group. Larger reductions in energy density were associated with greater weight loss, and the relationship remained after accounting for changes in calorie intake. Lead author Hana Kahleova said plant foods are rich in water and fiber, allowing people to fill their plate, feel full, and still take in fewer calories.
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Low-fat vegan diet cuts dietary energy density about 30% in 16-week trial
