Discussion
This randomized trial examined the effect of differing levels of plant-based diets on body weight and intake of macronutrients, fiber, and cholesterol. This is the first study to go beyond observational trials to intervention research by randomizing participants to adopt these five different plant-based eating styles. This randomized design allowed for a more rigorous control of factors that may affect body weight, such as exercise and education level, than can be used in observational designs