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Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine


As food costs rise, Massachusetts adults back greater access to affordable plant-based proteins, new statewide poll finds

A new statewide survey in Massachusetts found strong support for expanding access to affordable plant-based proteins, with 74% backing the Bean New Deal Bill. The bill would expand access to plant-based protein options in public institutions and incorporate nutrition education related to plant-based proteins.

The term ‘plant-based’ diet is ambiguous among U.S. adults; its interpretation differs significantly between older and younger adults, new study finds

A new study found that US adults' interpretation of 'plant-based' diet differs significantly by age, with older adults equating it to veganism. The study, published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, analyzed data from 2,202 US adults and found that younger adults (18-34 years old) have a more nuanced understanding of the t...

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Lifestyle Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 27, 2026

Only 20% of men know consuming dairy products can increase prostate cancer risk, finds new survey

A recent survey found that only 20% of men are aware of the potential prostate cancer risk associated with dairy consumption. The survey also showed that 66% of men plan to avoid dairy products after learning about the risk. A meta-analysis of 32 studies supports the link between high dairy intake and increased prostate cancer risk.

Low-fat vegan diet cuts dietary energy density by nearly a third, helping explain weight loss, new study finds

A low-fat vegan diet reduces dietary energy density by 30%, enabling participants to eat satisfying amounts of food while taking in fewer calories and losing weight. This approach allows for greater flexibility and sustainability in weight management, focusing on the composition of the diet rather than calorie restriction.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 6, 2026

New survey finds Native Americans open to plant-based diets rooted in indigenous food traditions but few know which foods help prevent or reverse type 2 diabetes

A new survey found that Native American adults are open to healthier eating based on traditional Indigenous foods, with 78% willing to try a whole food, plant-based diet. However, only 13% are aware that such diets can help prevent or improve type 2 diabetes.

Replacing animal protein with plant protein drives weight loss in postmenopausal women, new study finds

A new study published in Menopause journal found that replacing animal protein with plant-based sources like soybeans, beans, and grains leads to significant weight loss in postmenopausal women. The study's lead author suggests that the quality of protein, not just quantity, plays a key role in weight regulation and metabolic health.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalMenopause·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 9, 2026

New survey finds that a majority of Americans are concerned about high blood pressure, the ‘silent killer’

A majority of Americans, 60%, are concerned about high blood pressure, with nearly half having the condition. A new survey found that 65% are willing to try a plant-based diet to manage their blood pressure. Plant-based foods like fruits, veggies, beans, and whole grains can help maintain healthy blood pressure.

New clinical trial shows vegan diet dramatically cuts food-related emissions—with major health benefits

A new randomized clinical trial shows that a low-fat vegan diet reduces greenhouse gas emissions by nearly three times more than a Mediterranean diet. The study also found significant improvements in key cardiometabolic outcomes, with the majority of environmental gains driven by eliminating meat, dairy, and eggs.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalBMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 30, 2026

Plant-based diet cuts climate impact by more than half, randomized clinical trial shows

A new study published in Current Developments in Nutrition shows that adopting a low-fat vegan diet can rapidly reduce environmental impact while improving metabolic health. The 12-week randomized clinical trial found dramatic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and cumulative energy demand.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalCurrent Developments in Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 30, 2026

Swapping meat and dairy for plant-based foods cuts climate pollution by 35%, randomized clinical trial shows

Replacing meat and dairy with plant-based foods reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 35%, equivalent to eliminating 600 miles of driving. A low-fat vegan diet with soybeans also produces major health improvements, including a 92% reduction in severe hot flashes.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalBMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 7, 2026

International Journal of Disease Reversal and Prevention publishes clinicians guide: Latest research on role of dietary interventions in cancer, menopause, Alzheimer’s disease, and others

A new clinician's guide has been published by the International Journal of Disease Reversal and Prevention, summarizing the latest research on dietary interventions for various diseases. The guide emphasizes the importance of plant-based diets and healthy lifestyle habits in disease prevention and treatment.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Disease Reversal and Prevention·TypeContent analysis·DateMar 26, 2026

New JAMA Commentary calls for evidence-backed dietary guidelines

The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans have been criticized for prioritizing meat, dairy, and processed foods over fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine argues that the guidelines ignore scientific evidence and are influenced by industry interests.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 28, 2026

Replacing animal products with plant-based foods—even ultra-processed ones—reduces diabetes and heart disease risk, finds new review

A new review by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine found that ultra-processed plant-based foods like breads and cereals lower type 2 diabetes and hypertension risk. Whole grains and plant-based meat alternatives also have health benefits due to their fiber, micronutrients, and phytochemicals.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalBMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 20, 2026

Clinical nutrtion paper says 1 in 4 with type 2 diabetes have ‘sarcopenic diabetes,’ an overlooked complication that weakens muscles and worsens outcomes

A new paper highlights the prevalence of sarcopenic diabetes among people with type 2 diabetes, which is characterized by progressive muscle loss and strength decline. The authors recommend routine screening, adequate protein intake, regular strength training, and reduced sedentary time to address this under-recognized complication.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalClinical Nutrition·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 1, 2025

New survey reveals that most Americans believe that migrant farmworkers should be allowed to remain in the U.S. to help grow and harvest sweet potatoes, cranberries, and other holiday foods

A new survey by Morning Consult and Physicians Committee finds that 65% of adults support a program allowing migrant farmworkers to remain in the US. This would help grow and harvest sweet potatoes, cranberries, and other holiday foods. The survey also shows that 75% of adults find turkey-free dishes appealing, and 64% consider focusin...

Replacing meat, dairy, and eggs with grains, legumes, and other plant foods reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 51%, new research shows

A low-fat vegan diet is associated with a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and cumulative energy demand, mainly due to reduced meat consumption. The study found a 51% reduction in GHGE and CED, equivalent to driving a gas-powered vehicle about 4.3 miles daily.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 18, 2025

Former Macalester College animal lab workers, alumni, and mental health experts raise alarm regarding student stress and coercion in deadly animal experiments

A national survey found that 44% of US college students feel coerced into participating in animal laboratories, with 20% stating they would participate anyway to avoid problems. The college has killed thousands of animals for over 50 years, despite alternatives being available.

New survey: College students feel coerced into participating in animal experiments despite objections; 83% oppose such exercises

A new survey reveals that 83% of U.S. college students believe animals should not be used in classroom teaching laboratories if they are killed afterward and alternative methods exist. The survey also found that most students feel coerced into participating, with 20% willing to do so despite concerns about animal welfare.

Colorado State University shutters animal study after pressure from national research ethics group

Colorado State University has shut down a nutrition study on the impact of consuming beans on gut health after pressure from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. The study, which claimed to investigate the effect of legumes on human gut microbiome, used 17,766 animals and was funded by the US Department of Agriculture.

New research shows Americans can’t tell healthy processed foods from unhealthy ones

A recent survey found that 39% of respondents incorrectly identified all processed foods as unhealthy. However, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine reports that it is not processed plant foods but rather meat consumption associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateJul 8, 2025

Replacing animal products with plant-based foods—even ultra-processed—leads to weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity in people with type 1 diabetes

Replacing animal products with plant-based foods, including ultra-processed ones, leads to significant weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity in people with type 1 diabetes. A secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial found that the vegan group experienced reduced body weight and increased insulin sensitivity.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalNutrition Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 8, 2025

Audit published in research integrity and peer review identifies key failings of institutional animal care and use committees

A review identified key failings of institutional animal care and use committees, including inadequate searches for alternatives to animal use. Researchers recommend a new guide that prioritizes replacement of animals in research and IACUC member training, aligning with recent NIH and FDA announcements.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalResearch Integrity and Peer Review·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 7, 2025