A Closer Look at Plant-Based Diets

Plant-based diets have emerged as an effective strategy for weight management, glycemic control, and mitigatingrisks associated with metabolic disorders such as hypertension and dyslipidemia. Numerous studies highlight thecardiometabolic benefits of vegetarian and vegan eating patterns, primarily attributed to reduced caloric intake,increased fiber consumption, antioxidant levels, and a favorable shift towards healthier fats. However, thesuccessful adoption of these diets faces multifaceted challenges. Psychological obstacles such as the pleasurederived from eating meat and its interaction with the development of identity present significant challenges.Additionally, there are potential risks of nutrient deficiencies, particularly in vitamins B12, D, omega-3 fatty acids,iron, and calcium, which require meticulous dietary planning, fortification methods, or supplementation,particularly for individuals adhering strictly to vegan diets. Other barriers include inconveniences, perceivedchoices when eating out, information gaps, social barriers, negative stereotypes, and cost. Although plant-baseddiets are promising for certain groups, such as children and pregnant women, if well managed, major policyreforms, behavioral interventions, and context-specific solutions need to take center stage. Ultimately, addressingthese challenges through a multisectoral collaborative approach is pivotal to harnessing the full potential of plantbaseddietary patterns in combating global health crises like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

A Closer Look at Plant-Based Diets Keywords:

Plant-based diets , cardiometabolic health , psychological barriers , nutrient deficiencies , policyinterventions