Exploring the Link Between Plant-Based Diets and Resting Metabolic Rate in Women With Overweight and Obesity: Implications for Weight Management and Metabolic Health.

Authors

Ahmadreza Kolahi, Mir Saeid Yekaninejad, Zufa Iqbal, Khadijeh Mirzaei

Published in

Nutrition bulletin. Jun 20, 2026. Epub Jun 20, 2026.

Abstract

Obesity is a global health issue linked to increased risks of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. A reduced resting metabolic rate contributes to obesity. Plant-based diets are often recommended for weight control, but their effect on resting metabolic rate is underexplored. This study assesses the association between plant-based dietary patterns and resting metabolic rate in women with overweight and obesity. In this cross-sectional study, 285 women with overweight and obesity were selected from health centers in Tehran. Body composition was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis, dietary intake was assessed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Adherence to plant-based diets was evaluated through three indices: the overall plant-based diet index, the healthful plant-based diet index and the unhealthful plant-based diet index. Resting metabolic rate was measured via indirect calorimetry. Higher plant-based diet index and healthful plant-based diet index scores were significantly associated with increased resting metabolic rate per kilogram of body weight, even after adjusting for confounders. Conversely, higher unhealthful plant-based diet index scores were linked to lower resting metabolic rate per kilogram. Participants with higher adherence to plant-based diet index reported greater intakes of energy, most macronutrients and several micronutrients, while those with higher adherence to the unhealthful plant-based diet index reported lower intakes of energy and selected nutrients. Greater adherence to healthful plant-based diets is associated with a higher resting metabolic rate in women with overweight and obesity, suggesting potential benefits for weight management and metabolic health.

PMID:
42322103
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 20 Jun 2026.

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