Vegetarian and Mediterranean Diets Equivalent for Weight Loss

A randomized, open, crossover trial in Italy showed that both low-calorie lacto-ovo vegetarian diet (VD) and Mediterranean diet (MD) were effective in reducing body weight, body mass index (BMI), and fat mass. One hundred eighteen overweight subjects (mean age 51.1 years, females 78%, BMI ≥ 25) with a low-to-moderate cardiovascular risk profile were randomly assigned to the VD or MD, each lasting 3 months, then switched over for the same period of time. Similar and significant weight (as well as BMI and fat mass) reductions were obtained by both VD (‒1.88 kg) and MD (‒1.77 kg). However, the VD was more effective in lowering LDL cholesterol (-5.4%), while the MD resulted in greater reductions in triglycerides (-5.9%). The findings are in line with the recent trial of low-fat versus low-carbohydrate diets, suggesting that portion control is key to lose weight. http://circ.ahajournals.org/