Replacing animal products with plant-based foods, even ultra-processed options like soy milk and veggie burgers, can significantly aid weight loss, new research shows. Nutrition Insight speaks to the study’s lead researcher about processed plant foods, additives, oils, and the health impact of diets rich in these foods. Without calorie restrictions, participants in a low-fat, plant-based diet lost an average of 13 pounds (5.9 kg) in 16 weeks, reveals the study, published in Nutrition & Metabolism. The findings challenge the idea that processed plant-based foods are unhealthy and that they can be part of a weight-loss strategy.