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.Additionally, this study provides evidence that participants can
learn to adopt each of these dietary patterns using a minimal
amount of contact time.
The weight loss achieved in this study occurred without the
need for dietary self-monitoring. Dietary self-monitoring is
considered the cornerstone of behavioral treatment for weight
loss [23]