Identical twins Hugo and Ross Turner embarked on a 12-week dietary experiment to compare the effects of vegan and meat-inclusive diets on their bodies. Conducted with Kings College London, the study had Hugo following a vegan diet while Ross maintained a diet that included meat, dairy, and fish. Both twins consumed the same amount of calories and followed the same workout routine to ensure diet was the only variable affecting their bodies.
Hugo admitted that the initial weeks on the vegan diet were challenging as he craved meat and dairy. However, he noticed benefits such as more stable energy levels and a drop in cholesterol. Conversely, Ross experienced fluctuating energy levels but maintained a diverse gut bacteria population, which could reduce susceptibility to illness.
Despite some individual differences, the twins found no major disparities between the diets. Hugo’s vegan diet helped him lose weight and reduce body fat, dropping four pounds and one percent of body fat. Meanwhile, Ross gained ten pounds of muscle but also increased his body fat percentage from 13 to 15 percent.
The experiment highlighted the personal and physiological impacts of diet choices. While Hugo’s vegan diet lowered his cholesterol and boosted resistance to type 2 diabetes, it also reduced his gut bacteria diversity. Ross’s diet revealed his reliance on processed foods, prompting a reassessment of his dietary habits. Overall, the study suggests that both diets have unique benefits and drawbacks, emphasizing the importance of individual dietary needs and preferences.
