Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-2026

Keywords

Obesity, Breast cancer, Metabolic syndrome, Whole food plant-based diet, Ethnic disparities, Dietary fiber

Abstract

Background

Ethnic disparities in diet quality, adiposity, and previously identified factors contribute to metabolic dysregulation and breast cancer risk. However, integrated evidence linking dietary patterns, metabolic markers, and lifestyle intervention outcomes across diverse populations remains limited.

Methods

This study presents findings from three complementary investigations conducted within a broader research program and examined within a structured conceptual and comparative framework. Studies 1 and 2 are cross-sectional analyses conducted in ethnically diverse women recruited from community sites in California and Michigan, and Study 3 is a 16-week whole food plant-based, water and fiber-rich dietary intervention conducted in a university lifestyle medicine setting. Study 1 included 80 women (30 Latina, 35 African American, 15 Asian), Study 2 included 41 African American women, and Study 3 enrolled 21 participants, of whom 12 completed the intervention. Dietary intake in Studies 1 and 2 was assessed using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire with energy adjustment. Related variables assessed across the investigations included body mass index, body fat percentage, waist circumference, and dietary measures, providing a basis for comparative interpretation. Study 3 outcomes were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models.

Results

Differences across ethnic groups were observed within the study populations in adiposity, alcohol consumption, and intake of carotenoids, fatty acids, and vitamin A. Within the study population, African American women exhibited higher obesity prevalence and lower intake of plant-derived antioxidant nutrients. Participants with metabolic syndrome reported higher intakes of fat, cholesterol, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and sodium. In the intervention analysis, significant reductions were observed in waist circumference (β = −2.38 inches, 95% CI [−3.38, −1.37], p <  0.001), BMI (β = −1.38 kg/m2, 95% CI [−2.55, −0.20], p = 0.024), and body fat percentage (β = −1.98%, 95% CI [−2.93, −1.04], p <  0.001).

Conclusions

Ethnic differences in dietary intake and adiposity were associated with differences in metabolic profiles previously linked to breast cancer risk. Whole food plant-based, fiber-rich dietary intervention improved body composition and adiposity-related factors examined. Findings are preliminary and further studies are warranted.

Journal Title

Human Nutrition & Metabolism

Volume

46

Issue

200390

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hnm.2026.200390

First Department

Population Health, Nutrition and Wellness

Second Department

Engineering & Computing

Acknowledgements

Open access article retrieved November 12, 2026, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666149726000319?via%3Dihub

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