When it comes to diet debates, few topics stir up as much controversy as the choice between a plant-based lifestyle and a diet rich in meat and dairy. Advocates on both sides passionately defend their choices, but what if we could put these diets to the test scientifically? That’s exactly what identical twins Hugo and Ross Turner did in an experiment that gained widespread attention. For 12 weeks, they adopted opposite diets to see how their bodies would respond—and the results are fascinating.
The Experiment: Vegan vs. Meat Diets
In 2021, Hugo and Ross Turner, also known as the Turner Twins, partnered with King’s College London to conduct a unique dietary study. The brothers, being identical twins, offered a rare opportunity for a controlled experiment because their genetics are nearly identical.
- Hugo’s Diet: He adopted a strict plant-based (vegan) diet, cutting out all meat, dairy, and animal-derived products.
- Ross’s Diet: Ross maintained an omnivorous diet that included meat, fish, and dairy.
Both consumed the same daily calorie count and followed identical gym routines to ensure the results weren’t skewed by differences in physical activity or energy intake. For 12 weeks, the twins meticulously tracked their progress, revealing some intriguing insights.
Initial Challenges: Adapting to the Diets
As the twins began their respective diets, both experienced unique challenges. Hugo, transitioning to a vegan lifestyle, found the initial weeks difficult.
“I was craving meat, cheese, and dairy at first,” Hugo shared in the BBC documentary chronicling their journey. “I had to adapt to eating more fruits, nuts, and plant-based alternatives, which was a big change.”
Ross, on the other hand, enjoyed his usual diet but quickly realized how much processed food he was consuming. “Seeing the freshness of Hugo’s vegan meals made me rethink some of my choices,” Ross admitted.
Energy Levels: A Surprising Difference
One of the most noticeable differences during the experiment was how the twins’ energy levels fluctuated.
- Hugo (Vegan Diet): He reported consistent energy throughout the day, attributing this to the wholesome nature of plant-based foods. Without sugar spikes from processed snacks or heavy meals, his energy levels felt more stable.
- Ross (Meat-Based Diet): While Ross often felt bursts of energy, he also experienced significant dips, especially after heavy meals. These “energy lulls” occasionally left him feeling fatigued, particularly during workouts.
The Impact on Gut Health
Gut health became a key talking point in the study. Hugo’s vegan diet, while nutrient-dense, led to a noticeable decline in the diversity of his gut bacteria. Gut diversity is an important marker of overall health, as it influences immunity and digestion.
Ross, who maintained a meat-inclusive diet, showed no significant changes in gut diversity. His consistent levels meant he was potentially better equipped to resist certain illnesses compared to Hugo.
Physical Changes: Weight, Muscle, and Fat
At the end of the 12-week experiment, the twins’ bodies showed measurable differences:
- Hugo’s Results (Vegan Diet):
- He lost weight, dropping from 185 pounds to 181 pounds.
- His body fat percentage decreased slightly from 13% to 12%.
- His cholesterol levels saw a significant drop, which could reduce his risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
- Ross’s Results (Meat Diet):
- He gained weight, increasing from 185 pounds to 189 pounds.
- While he added 10 pounds of muscle through his gym routine, his body fat percentage rose from 13% to 15%.
These results suggest that while both diets have their benefits, they also come with trade-offs depending on one’s health goals.
Processed Foods: A Wake-Up Call
One of the unexpected takeaways from the experiment was the role of processed foods. Ross realized that his meat-based meals often included heavily processed items, which contributed to energy fluctuations and potentially impacted his overall health.
Meanwhile, Hugo’s vegan diet forced him to rely on fresh, whole foods, reducing his intake of processed snacks and sugary treats. This shift helped stabilize his blood sugar levels and left him feeling more energized throughout the day.
The Verdict: No One-Size-Fits-All Diet
While some might hope for a definitive winner between vegan and meat-based diets, the results of the twins’ experiment were more nuanced.
- Vegan Diet Strengths:
- Lower cholesterol and improved metabolic health.
- Consistent energy levels due to fewer sugar spikes.
- Weight loss and reduced body fat percentage.
- Meat Diet Strengths:
- Maintenance of gut bacteria diversity, which is linked to stronger immunity.
- Greater muscle gain when paired with resistance training.
However, both diets demonstrated potential downsides: the vegan diet led to reduced gut bacteria diversity, while the meat diet increased body fat and relied heavily on processed foods.
Lessons from the Experiment
The Turner Twins’ experiment highlights some key takeaways for anyone considering a dietary overhaul:
- Balance is Key: Both diets can offer health benefits, but moderation and balance are essential to avoid the downsides of either approach.
- Personal Goals Matter: Whether your goal is to lose weight, gain muscle, or improve overall health, your choice of diet should align with those objectives.
- Whole Foods Win: Regardless of the diet, focusing on fresh, minimally processed foods is crucial for maintaining energy and health.
- Listen to Your Body: Each person’s response to a diet will vary, so it’s important to monitor how your body feels and adapt accordingly.
Conclusion: A Tale of Two Diets
The Turner Twins’ dietary experiment didn’t reveal a definitive “best” diet—but that’s the point. What works for one person might not work for another. Hugo thrived on his plant-based diet with consistent energy and weight loss, while Ross saw gains in muscle mass but dealt with energy fluctuations.
The true takeaway? Diet is deeply personal. Whether you lean vegan, embrace meat, or fall somewhere in between, the key is to find a balance that supports your health and lifestyle. And maybe, just maybe, take inspiration fr
