Plant-Based Diets Promote Weight Loss in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes, New Study Finds

Recent research highlights that replacing animal-derived foods with plant-based options, including those sometimes categorized as 'unhealthy,' can significantly aid weight loss in adults managing type 1 diabetes. The study, conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and published in Frontiers in Nutrition, demonstrated that participants adhering to a vegan diet lost an average of 11 pounds, whereas those on a portion-controlled diet did not experience notable weight changes.

Led by Dr. Hana Kahleova, the study indicates that even foods considered less healthy within a plant-based diet—such as fruit juice or white bread—are preferable for weight management compared to traditional animal products like eggs and cottage cheese. The research is based on a secondary analysis of a prior 12-week randomized clinical trial involving 58 adults with type 1 diabetes, who were assigned to either a vegan diet with no caloric or carb restrictions or a portion-controlled diet aimed at reducing calorie intake.

In this analysis, dietary patterns were assessed through plant-based diet indices: the overall PDI, the healthful PDI (hPDI), and the unhealthful PDI (uPDI). The study found that participants on the vegan diet increased their intake of healthful plant foods such as legumes, fruits, and whole grains, while reducing consumption of oils and nuts. Interestingly, the intake of unhealthful plant foods, like refined grains or sweets, remained largely unchanged.

The vegan group experienced significant weight loss correlated with increased consumption of healthy plant foods and improved scores on plant-based diet indices. This dietary shift also aligns with previous findings where a vegan diet reduced insulin needs, enhanced insulin sensitivity, improved glycemic control, and benefited cholesterol and kidney health in individuals with type 1 diabetes.

This study suggests that adopting a plant-based diet—even including foods deemed 'unhealthy'—can be an effective strategy for weight management in adults with type 1 diabetes. The findings encourage considering plant-based eating patterns as part of a comprehensive diabetes management plan.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-animal-products-based-foods-weight.html