Conclusions
This study provides evidence for greater short-term weight loss and improved macronutrient, fiber, and cholesterol intake among individuals randomly assigned to follow plant-based di- ets that do not include meat (vegan) compared with other plant- based approaches with limited meat (pesco-veg and semi-veg) or unrestricted meat intake (omni). Studies examining the ef- fect of plant-based diets on long-term weight loss maintenance are needed. Diets excluding food groups have not been the norm in nutrition recommendations, with the predominant message from nutrition and health organizations being that modest di- etary changes are more acceptable to participants and that “all foods fit” [56,57]. Stricter dietary recommendations, however, may yield greater dietary changes than more modest recom- mendations [58]. Additionally, dietary approaches that include all foods require strict adherence to dietary self-monitoring if weight loss is to occur [59]. Because complete adherence may not be necessary with plant-based dietary approaches, and vegan and vegetarian diets appear to be effective strategies for both weight loss and improving nutrition profiles, those creating dietary guidelines for disease prevention and treatment should consider these plant-based eating styles as a potential strategy for healthy eating recommendations.