Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Twins Go Head-to-Head: Vegan vs. Meat Diets in 12-Week Challenge

Instagram @theturnertwiins
Instagram @theturnertwiins

Identical twin brothers from the UK experimented to uncover the effects of plant-based and meat-based diets on their bodies.

Twin brothers with identical genes took on a 12-week “Vegetarian vs Meat-eating” challenge.

According to reports from the BBC and online media outlet Unilad on Wednesday, identical twins Hugo and Ross conducted a 12-week experiment to explore the impact of the vegetarian diet on their bodies.

The brothers consumed the same number of calories daily and exercised the same amount, keeping just their diets different. Hugo committed to a strict vegetarian diet, while Ross freely consumed animal products, including meat, dairy, and fish.

Hugo, who switched to a vegetarian diet, mentioned that the initial weeks were challenging due to meat cravings. However, he noted that as he maintained his vegan diet, he experienced improved focus, sustained energy in the afternoons, and an overall feeling of being refreshed.

On the other hand, Ross, who opted for a meat-based diet, reported experiencing fluctuations in his energy levels. He shared that he felt very energetic some days and completely drained on other days.

After 12 weeks, the twins compared their physical changes. The most striking difference was in their gut microbiome diversity.

Hugo’s gut microbiome diversity decreased significantly, while Ross’s remained steady.

A decrease in gut microbiome diversity can potentially impact metabolic diseases like obesity and diabetes and immune disorders like allergies.

Additionally, Hugo lost about 4 pounds (1.8 kg) and reduced 1% of his body fat. His cholesterol levels dropped, and he showed improved resistance to type 2 diabetes.

Ross, in contrast, gained about 10 pounds (4.5 kg) of muscle but saw his body fat percentage climb from 13% to 15%. His cholesterol levels held steady throughout the 12 weeks.

The optimal diet: a mix of plant-based and animal-based foods

After their 12-week experiment, the brothers reached a surprising conclusion: the optimal diet combines plant- and animal-based foods.

Hugo reflected on the merits of both dietary choices, noting that vegan and meat-based diets have advantages. He mentioned plans to integrate elements of both, stating, “We will incorporate more vegan foods into our meals and select high-quality meats in smaller quantities. This approach will allow us to enjoy the benefits of both diets.”

Ross commented on the effectiveness of different diets, noting that while the plant-based diet was beneficial for weight loss, the meat-based diet proved better for muscle gain. He added that the twelve-week period was too short to assess the diets fully and expressed a desire to extend the comparison to at least six months in the future.

Embracing a vegetarian diet can help with weight management as it is lower in calories even when consumed in large quantities. Additionally, it’s rich in fiber, making digestion easier and promoting regular bowel movements while helping weight maintenance. However, an extreme vegetarian diet can lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients like vitamins B12 and C, so it is necessary to maintain balance.

It’s important to include some animal products in your diet for optimal health. To promote health, it is recommended to consume white meats like chicken and duck over red meats such as beef and pork. White meats are lower in myoglobin and contain higher amounts of unsaturated fats. Myoglobin, a protein found in muscle cells, can potentially damage DNA and increase cancer risk when combined with salt.

Hot this week

3.81-Carat Diamond Found in Arkansas State Park—Named After a Dog

A man found a 3.81-carat diamond in Arkansas's Crater of Diamonds State Park, naming it Duke Diamond after his dog.

From Tariff Turbulence to Takeoff: Boeing Soars on Trade Optimism

The NYSE saw gains for two days, boosted by a US-UK trade deal and strong performances in quantum computing and semiconductor stocks.

WTI and Brent Bounce Back as Markets Bet on Trade Diplomacy

Global oil prices surged following a U.S.-UK trade deal, raising hopes for similar agreements and boosting economic optimism.

Disney’s Abu Dhabi Dream: Why It’s Avoiding Investment Risks

Disney plans its seventh theme park in Abu Dhabi, partnering with a local company to minimize investment risks while collecting royalties.

Disney Shares Skyrocket: The Theme Park Deal That Has Investors Buzzing

New York stocks rebounded after a volatile day, with NVIDIA and Disney shares surging on positive news, while EV stocks fell sharply.

Topics

3.81-Carat Diamond Found in Arkansas State Park—Named After a Dog

A man found a 3.81-carat diamond in Arkansas's Crater of Diamonds State Park, naming it Duke Diamond after his dog.

From Tariff Turbulence to Takeoff: Boeing Soars on Trade Optimism

The NYSE saw gains for two days, boosted by a US-UK trade deal and strong performances in quantum computing and semiconductor stocks.

WTI and Brent Bounce Back as Markets Bet on Trade Diplomacy

Global oil prices surged following a U.S.-UK trade deal, raising hopes for similar agreements and boosting economic optimism.

Disney’s Abu Dhabi Dream: Why It’s Avoiding Investment Risks

Disney plans its seventh theme park in Abu Dhabi, partnering with a local company to minimize investment risks while collecting royalties.

Disney Shares Skyrocket: The Theme Park Deal That Has Investors Buzzing

New York stocks rebounded after a volatile day, with NVIDIA and Disney shares surging on positive news, while EV stocks fell sharply.

WTI Oil Dips After Fed’s Unexpected Silence on Rate Cuts

Oil prices fell after the Fed's steady interest rate decision, with Brent crude at $61.12 and WTI at $58.07 per barrel.

Businesses Race to Import Ahead of Trump’s Tariffs, Breaking Trade Records

U.S. trade deficit hits a record high in March as imports surge before tariffs; growth expected to decline amid trade tensions.

Markets Dip as Fed Kicks Off Key Meeting, Trade Talks Gain Steam

U.S. stock indices fell as investors await the Fed's interest rate decisions and trade negotiations, while Tesla and biotech stocks struggled.

Related Articles