Plant-Based Diets May Influence Heart Health Through Body Fat, Study Finds

A new study in UK Biobank explored how plant-based diet quality relates to cardiovascular disease (CVD), focusing on whether body fat plays a mediating role. Researchers analysed dietary data from over 14,000 middle-aged adults using three indices: overall plant-based diet (PDI), healthy plant-based diet (hPDI), and unhealthy plant-based diet (uPDI).

Findings showed that healthier plant-based diets (PDI and hPDI) were linked to lower fat mass, while unhealthy plant-based diets (uPDI) were associated with higher fat levels. Fat mass itself was strongly connected to increased risks of CVD events, CVD mortality, and overall mortality.

However, no direct relationship was observed between plant-based diet quality and these health outcomes. Instead, the results suggest an indirect link—where diet quality may impact heart health through its effect on body fat.

The study highlights fat mass as a potential key mechanism connecting plant-based diets to cardiovascular outcomes.

04-04-2026