Recent evidence on plant-based diets and risk of chronic noncommunicable diseases in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

To evaluate whether plant-based dietary patterns are associated with lower odds of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity in adults.

We conducted a PRISMA-guided systematic review and meta-analysis registered in PROSPERO. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase were searched for studies (cross-sectional, cohort, case-control) published from 2020 to 2024. Eligible studies included adults aged 18 year or older, compared predominantly plant-based dietary patterns with other diets, and reported chronic metabolic outcomes. Two reviewers independently screened studies and extracted data on Rayyan®, resolving disagreements by a third and risk of bias was assessed with Joanna Briggs Institute tools. Pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using random-effects models.

Seventeen studies were included (9 cross-sectional and 8 cohort studies), comprising 456,783 adults from multiple countries. Greater adherence to plant-based diets was associated with lower odds of hypertension (odds ratio 0.82; 95% confidence interval 0.73 to 0.92). Borderline protective associations were observed for type 2 diabetes (odds ratio 0.87; 95% confidence interval 0.75 to 1.01) and dyslipidemia (odds ratio 0.87; 95% confidence interval 0.72 to 1.05). No significant association was found for obesity (odds ratio 0.95; 95% confidence interval 0.62 to 1.46).

Recent observational evidence suggests that plant-based diets are associated with lower odds of hypertension and may also benefit type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia. The findings support plant-forward dietary guidance, although better standardized prospective studies are still needed.

PROSPERO CRD420251027754.