Vegetarian Diet Is A Weight Loss Winner

A recent research program that looked at the diet of nearly 22000 individuals over a time frame of 5 years noted that Vegetarians were the most likely to have weight loss, but the research also took note of the fact that both vegetarians and meat-eaters put on weight. Those people who previously had a meat diet but then converted to a vegetarian diet were those who did the best.

This research is interesting as it goes against the widely held view that low carb and high protein diets are beneficial for weight loss. It was recorded that the smallest weight increases were found in those who had a high carb intake and a low protein intake. The study looked at weight increases in meat-eaters, fish-eaters, vegetarians as well as vegans over the set period and found that on average weight gain was just over four pounds. The weight increase was smaller with the vegans than with the meat eaters.

It is not being suggested that a vegetarian diet is the answer to all weight problems however as they have a lack of iron and calcium, but it was recommended that more fruit and vegetables be introduced part of a weight loss and balanced diet. Some people say that they are vegetarian but still eat fish, excluding it from the requirements of being a vegetarian.

The research also showed that if the individuals who took part in the study did a lot of exercise they were less likely to suffer from weight gain whether they were vegetarian or not.