Association between different types of plant-based diets and leptin levels in healthy volunteers

Abstract

Leptin is an important factor regulating appetite and energety metabolism; disturbances in its signaling are related to adiposity and contribute to the excessive body fat. About a third of the human population is overweight or suffers from obesity, as well as from associated medical conditions. It is well established that vegetarian, especially vegan, diet is very effective in lowering BMI and body fat, thus, plant-based diets are associated with a lower risk of obesity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the plasma levels of leptin in lacto-ovo-vegetarian and vegan volunteers with normal BMI. The intake of energy and selected diet components such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and carbohydrates was also investigated. The study involved healthy women – 14 omnivores, 17 lacto-ovo-vegetarians, and 11 vegans. All women had a normal BMI (18.5-24.99). The plasma leptin levels were examined with immunoenzymatic test (ELISA). All participants were interviewed to estimate their nutrient intake by performing a 24-hour dietary recall. Both lacto-ovo-vegetarians and vegans had lower plasma leptin concentrations than their meat-consuming counterparts. Every analyzed diet group had a different body fat content, with the highest level in omnivores and the lowest in vegans. All participants had similar calorie, total fat, and total carbohydrates intake. Total PUFA and specifically omega-3 fatty acids consumption was lower in omnivores when compared to both types of plant diet; the same was found for fiber intake. Our results suggest that adopting a plant-based diet may be beneficial for energetic metabolism, as it significantly lowers the body fat storage and circulating leptin levels.

Dietary acid load modifies the effects of ApoA2–265 T > C polymorphism on lipid profile and serum leptin and ghrelin levels among type 2 diabetic patients

“…CC homozygotes had the highest level of leptin and ghrelin by adherence to DAL. Consistent with the findings, the plasma level of leptin was lower in those who adopted with vegetarian dietary pattern compared with non-vegetarians [ 93 , 94 ]. As mentioned before, red meat consumption promotes diet acidity and inflammatory responses.…”

The Safe and Effective Use of Plant-Based Diets with Guidelines for Health Professionals

“…Vegans typically have the lowest BMI or lowest prevalence of overweight or obesity in studies that compare multiple dietary patterns, including vegetarians and omnivores [88,92]. Gogga et al noted differences in percent body fat between vegans, lacto-ovo-vegetarians, and omnivores, even though all group BMI values were within the normal range [93]. Interventions using vegan [94][95][96][97][98][99], vegetarian [97,100], or whole-food plant-based dietary [101] treatments have been found to lower BMI, weight, or fat-mass compared to subjects on a meat-based diet.…”

“…Mechanisms that explain the weight management benefits of plant-based diets include relatively higher fiber, fruit, and vegetable consumption compared to omnivorous diets [88,107]. This food pattern may lead to beneficial alterations to appetite hormones [93,108] and the gut microbiota [109], both of which may have an impact on body weight.…”

Influence of vegetarian diet on human body

“…Interest in the plant-based diet and its potential positive health outcomes is constantly growing [35]. Some studies published so far even focus on the health-promoting effects of the plant-based diet on specific social groups such as the Blacks in the United States [36]. The availability of vegan or vegetarian products is increasing, making it easier to give up meat and animal products.…”