Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40362807›Full record

ReviewNutrients2025

The Role of Plant-Based Nutrition and Exercise in Metabolic Syndrome: A Narrative Review.

James Stavitz, Ryan Porcelli, Jennifer Gentile

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Nutrients, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
4citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

4 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Review
  2. Review
  3. Pilot Investigation on the Metabolic Effects ofInternational journal of molecular sciences · 2026
    Article
  4. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

James StavitzDepartment of Athletic Training Education, Kean University, Union, NJ 07083, USA.ORCID 0000-0002-3772-6871
Ryan PorcelliDepartment of Athletic Training Education, Kean University, Union, NJ 07083, USA.
Jennifer GentileDepartment of Physical Therapy, Kean University, Union, NJ 07083, USA.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

BACKGROUND/

objectivesMetabolic syndrome (MetS) is a prevalent health condition characterized by central obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle interventions, particularly plant-based nutrition and exercise, are essential for managing MetS. While both strategies are well-documented independently, their synergistic effects remain less explored. This narrative review integrates findings from both domains to evaluate their combined impact on metabolic syndrome. The review examines the individual and combined impacts of plant-based nutrition and exercise on MetS-related metabolic dysfunction.

methodsA comprehensive review of 114 peer-reviewed studies was conducted to assess the role of plant-based diets and structured physical activity in improving insulin sensitivity, lipid profiles, inflammation, and weight management. Studies investigating the mechanisms through which dietary components and exercise modalities influence metabolic health were analyzed, along with behavioral and psychological factors affecting long-term adherence.

resultsPlant-based diets, particularly those high in fiber, polyphenols, and healthy fats, improve glucose metabolism, reduce inflammation, and enhance cardiovascular health. Exercise complements these benefits by increasing insulin sensitivity, promoting fat oxidation, and improving lipid metabolism. When combined, plant-based nutrition and exercise provide superior metabolic outcomes, including greater reductions in visceral adiposity, improved endothelial function, and enhanced glycemic control.

conclusionsPlant-based nutrition and structured exercise are effective strategies for managing MetS. Their synergistic effects highlight the importance of integrated lifestyle interventions for long-term metabolic health.

Indexed as

Diet, VegetarianExerciseMetabolic SyndromeDiet, Plant-BasedHumansInsulin Resistancecardiovascular healthexercise interventioninsulin sensitivitymetabolic syndromeplant-based nutrition

Identifiers

PMID40362807
PMCPMC12073408

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.