Identical Twins Put Their Genetics To The Test After One Goes Vegan And The Other Doesn’t—The Results Will Shock You

Diet debates are as endless as they are passionate, dividing families, friendships, and social media feeds alike. Should you go vegan and save the planet one lentil at a time, or embrace the omnivore lifestyle, savoring steaks while chasing gains at the gym? 

With so many options—keto, paleo, vegetarian, pescatarian—it’s no wonder we’re drowning in advice. From your gym buddy boasting about his meat-fueled bench press to your co-worker who swears her plant-based diet cured her of stress (or at least her Monday mood swings), everyone seems to have an opinion. 

Social media has only fueled the fire, with influencers swearing allegiance to one diet while demonizing the rest. You’ve got the vegan evangelists claiming tofu can solve all your problems, while carnivore enthusiasts insist your body’s begging for a ribeye. 

So, who’s right? What diet is truly better for your body? And more importantly, how can we possibly get a definitive answer when personal bias and lifestyle factors muddy the waters?

This brings us to the ultimate dietary showdown: identical twins. With shared DNA, upbringing, and habits, twins provide a rare opportunity to test diets without the usual variables. 

Stanford University took advantage of this genetic jackpot, pitting vegan and omnivore diets against each other in a controlled experiment. As for the results, they were nothing short of fascinating.

Jevon and John Whittington spill the beans (and greens) on how two diets took their bodies in opposite directions.

ABC News

The trial ran from May to July and enlisted 22 pairs of identical twins—44 participants in total. It involved a side-by-side comparison of plant-based versus meat-based diets; it even made its way to Netflix as a documentary titled You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment. 

Participants were treated to 21 meticulously prepared meals by a catering service before taking control of their own menus for the final four weeks. Among these test subjects were Jevon and John Whittington, who revealed their wildly different health outcomes to the New York Post.

Both started the experiment in peak physical condition, with nearly identical body fat percentages and impressive cardiovascular health. However, after just two months of the study, their bodies told two very different stories.

Understanding Dietary Choices

Dietary preferences can be highly influenced by genetics, but they also reflect personal choices and lifestyle. Dr. Mark Hyman, a functional medicine expert, emphasizes that while genetics lays the groundwork, diet plays a pivotal role in health outcomes. His website, drhyman.com, discusses how a plant-based diet can reduce inflammation and improve heart health, especially for those with a genetic predisposition to certain conditions.

Hyman also suggests that individuals should consider their unique genetic makeup when choosing diets, as personalized nutrition has been shown to be more effective than a one-size-fits-all approach.

The results prove that what’s on your fork can lead to some truly jaw-dropping results.

Netflix

John, the twin who went vegan, saw remarkable improvements in his health. He shed visceral fat—the hidden and hazardous fat hugging your organs—dropping from 0.37 pounds to a barely-there 0.03 pounds. 

His insulin levels also dipped by 20%, and his bad cholesterol fell by 12%. These changes suggest that veganism might just be the MVP of heart health.

Jevon, who was on the omnivorous diet, flexed his own strengths—literally. While his visceral fat stayed nearly the same (a tiny drop from 0.22 to 0.21 pounds), he packed on a whopping 7.1 pounds of muscle compared to John’s 2.3-pound gain. Jevon’s results showed that an omnivore diet might be the go-to for those chasing gains in the gym.

Both brothers stuck to regular workouts, combining cardio, weight training, and intervals. Despite the dietary differences, neither emerged as the “better twin.” Instead, Jevon admitted they’ve since scaled back on meat and dairy while still enjoying a balanced approach.

The study highlights an undeniable truth: there’s no one-size-fits-all diet. Whether you’re slicing into steak or sautéing tofu, your goals dictate the best path forward. 

The Whittington twins’ story shows us that the secret isn’t about picking sides—it’s about finding balance. So, skip the diet wars and eat what fuels your best life. And hey, maybe binge that Netflix doc while you’re at it—it’s the ultimate food for thought.

While twins provide a unique opportunity to study the effects of different diets, it's essential to recognize the environmental factors at play. A relationship expert noted that our social circles and cultural backgrounds significantly influence our dietary choices.

Research suggests that making dietary changes in a supportive environment can lead to better adherence and long-term success. For instance, surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals can enhance motivation and accountability. Building a community around healthy eating allows for shared experiences, recipe exchanges, and encouragement, making the journey towards better health more enjoyable.

Solutions & Coping Strategies

The comparison of identical twins following different diets provides fascinating insights into the interplay of genetics and lifestyle. Research consistently supports the idea that while our DNA sets certain parameters, our choices ultimately shape our health outcomes. As noted by Dr. Joel Fuhrman, a nutritionist at drfuhrman.com, the nutritional quality of our diet can profoundly influence our physical and mental well-being.

Focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods while understanding personal health needs is crucial for optimizing diet and improving quality of life. This approach can help individuals make informed dietary choices tailored to their unique genetic backgrounds, leading to better health outcomes.