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# Vegetarian Diet Lowers Cholesterol, Weight, and Blood Sugar
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/vegetarian_diet_1016131220/
- Published: 2013-10-16T13:14:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-15T14:00:38.000Z
- Description: Six obese participants with type 2 diabetes and/or hypertension ate a plant-based, high-fiber diet for one month and lost weight, with lower cholesterol, better blood sugar control and shifts in gut bacteria, according to a study in Environmental Microbiology Reports.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Diet, Nutrition, #vivvo-import

A low-fat, high-carbohydrate vegetarian diet lowers cholesterol, blood sugars, and weight, according to a study published in the October issue of *Environmental Microbiology Reports*. Six obese participants with type 2 diabetes and/or hypertension followed a plant-based, high-fiber diet (about 42 grams per day) for one month. Patients experienced weight loss, lower cholesterol, better blood sugar control, and improved gut flora. Bacteria associated with immunity and anti-inflammation increased while bacteria most associated with conditions such as obesity and inflammatory bowel conditions decreased.

Kim MS, Hwang SS , Park EJ, Bae JW. Strict vegetarian diet improves the risk factors associated with metabolic diseases by modulating gut microbiota and reducing intestinal inflammation. *Environ Microbiol Rep*. 2013;5:765-775.