A pair of identical twins decided to put their diets to the test by adopting opposite eating habits—one following a vegan diet and the other sticking to a meat-heavy diet—to see how it would affect their bodies.
The debate between meat-eaters and vegans is ongoing, with some arguing that meat is essential for a balanced diet, while others advocate for the health and environmental benefits of a plant-based lifestyle.
To settle the argument with some hard data, these twins became the perfect case study, letting science take the lead in this fascinating experiment.
The Study
In 2021, identical twins Hugo and Ross Turner took part in a unique dietary experiment that was documented by the BBC. Over the course of 12 weeks, the brothers followed completely opposite diets.
Hugo adopted a strictly plant-based diet, while Ross consumed a diet that included meat, dairy, and fish.
The experiment, conducted by researchers at King’s College London, ensured that both twins consumed the same number of daily calories and followed identical workout routines to keep the comparison fair and controlled.
“I Felt Like I Had More Energy”
In the BBC documentary, Hugo shared his experience of adapting to a vegan diet:
“I was on the vegan diet, and it really does take a hit on your body at first. The first couple of weeks were tough—I was craving meat, dairy, and especially cheese. I love cheese.”
He explained how switching to plant-based foods meant finding alternatives and relying on more natural options.
“I was now having to eat fruit, nuts, and dairy-free alternatives, which led to eating a lot more wholesome food. As a result, my sugar levels were more stable throughout the day.
“I felt like I had more energy,” Hugo concluded, highlighting one of the benefits he noticed during the experiment.
Ross described his experience with the meat-based diet as a bit of a rollercoaster, especially when it came to his gym performance.
“There were times I felt very energetic, but other times I’d experience huge lulls,” he said.
In contrast, Hugo’s plant-based diet kept his energy levels stable throughout the experiment. However, it wasn’t without drawbacks—Hugo noticed that the diversity of his gut bacteria dropped significantly, which could make him more susceptible to illness. Meanwhile, Ross’s gut health remained consistent.
One unexpected observation for Ross was the stark contrast in food choices. When he compared his meals to Hugo’s vegan dishes, he realized just how much processed food he was consuming.
The Results
While the study offered some interesting insights, it didn’t lead to any groundbreaking conclusions or dramatic differences between the twins.
Hugo did, however, experience some notable health improvements. His cholesterol levels dropped significantly, his weight decreased, and he boosted his resistance to type 2 diabetes.
At the start of the experiment, Hugo weighed 185 pounds and had 13% body fat. By the end of the 12 weeks, he weighed 181 pounds and reduced his body fat to 12%.
Though subtle, these changes highlighted the potential benefits of a plant-based diet for certain health markers.
In comparison, Ross also had 13 percent body fat at the start, but he put on 10 pounds of muscle, and also gained fat, bringing his end body fat percentage up to 15 percent and his weight to 189 pounds.
