Effects of a vegetarian diet combined with aerobic exercise on glycemic control, insulin resistance, and body composition: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine the effects of a vegetarian diet combined with aerobic exercise on glycemic control and body composition.
Results Summary
The study found that participants who adopted a vegetarian diet combined with aerobic exercise had significantly lower fasting plasma glucose and insulin levels, as well as improved body composition compared to preintervention participants. The meta-analysis showed consistent reductions in insulin resistance, fasting glucose, and body mass index.
Population
Participants in comparative studies of pre- and post-vegetarian diet adoption combined with aerobic exercise interventions.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
vegetarian diet combined with aerobic exercise intervention | decrease | fasting plasma glucose | participants | - | significantly lower | #1 |
vegetarian diet combined with aerobic exercise intervention | decrease | insulin levels | participants | - | significantly lower | #2 |
vegetarian diet combined with aerobic exercise intervention | increase | body composition | participants | - | improved | #3 |
vegetarian diet combined with aerobic exercise intervention | decrease | homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance | - | - 0.75 (- 1.08 to - 0.42) | mean difference | #4 |
vegetarian diet combined with aerobic exercise intervention | decrease | fasting plasma glucose | - | - 0.27(- 0.30 to - 0.23) | mean difference | #5 |
vegetarian diet combined with aerobic exercise intervention | decrease | waist circumference | - | - 1.10 (- 5.06 to 2.86) | mean difference | #6 |
vegetarian diet combined with aerobic exercise intervention | decrease | body mass index | - | - 0.70 (- 1.38 to - 0.01) | mean difference | #7 |
BACKGROUND: Vegetarian diets and aerobic exercise are increasingly accepted as a common way to improve lifestyle. Several studies have shown that vegetarian diets combined with aerobic exercise interventions have a significant effect on preventing and reducing the risk of metabolic diseases. METHODS: A search of the PubMed, EBSCO, Embase, CENTRAL, and Web of Science databases was conducted for comparative studies of pre- and post-vegetarian diet adoption combined with aerobic exercise interventions on glycemic control and body composition. Qualitative reviews and meta-analyses of fixed and random effects were conducted to pool available data. The results were validated by sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: A total of 27 studies were selected for meta-analysis. Combining the studies included in the meta-analysis showed a mean difference for homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance of - 0.75 (- 1.08 to - 0.42), fasting plasma glucose of - 0.27(- 0.30 to - 0.23), waist circumference of - 1.10 (- 5.06 to 2.86) and body mass index of - 0.70 (- 1.38 to - 0.01). CONCLUSION: In summary, our findings suggest that participants who adopted a vegetarian diet combined with aerobic exercise intervention had significantly lower fasting plasma glucose and insulin levels and improved body composition compared to preintervention participants. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, systematic review and meta-analysis.