Vegetarian Weight Loss

Research shows that vegetarians need to lose weight less than meat-eaters. In fact, overweight and obesity levels are much lower among vegetarians and vegans, who generally have lower body mass index ratings than non-vegetarians.

Vegetarian Diets Don't Eliminate Need for Weight Loss

Even so, vegetarian diets are no guarantee of a healthy weight. Nowadays, convenience vegetarian foods can be just as fattening as non-vegetarian foods - in fact some vegetarian products and recipes may contain more fat than meat-based foods. Over-consumption of these high-calorie convenience foods or 'vegetarian' fast-food causes weight gain just like meat-based foods.

Semi-Vegetarians, Part-Vegetarians and Weight Loss

Although plant foods are generally much lower in calories than animal foods, excess calorie-intake and weight gain is not uncommon among those following a vegetarian diet - especially among semi or part-vegetarians.

How Vegetarian Eating Can Lead to Weight Gain

• Many convenience foods are high in fat and calories.
• Some vegetarian food products add extra fat to compensate for lack of meat flavor.
• Ovo-lacto vegetarians can rely too heavily on cheese and other calorie-dense dairy foods.
• Some part-vegetarians don't like vegetables. This can lead to over-consumption of convenience foods, like pizza.
• Some semi-vegetarians don't like much fruit. This can cause them to overeat high-calorie snack foods.
• Some teenage vegetarians lose control of their appetite and healthy eating habits and develop disordered eating patterns or even full-blown eating disorders. The latter can lead to forms of bingeing or compulsive eating that leads to weight gain.
• Careless vegetarian dieting can cause low levels of dietary nutrition which in turn may lead to a slowdown in metabolic rate and consequent weight gain.

Healthy Weight Loss and Control for Vegetarians

Whether you are vegan or ovo-lacto vegetarian or simply someone who avoids meat, the secret of successful weight loss is to follow a BALANCED vegetarian weight loss diet and take regular exercise.
For ideas, see Vegetarian Weight Loss Diet
Getting Support to Lose Weight
If you need extra help to reduce weight, you may find it helpful to join a dieting forum or online discussion group. One option to check out is the Anne Collins weight management program, which includes a vegetarian diet plan and an active, friendly diet forum with tons of members. To view her forum as a guest, visit: Weight Management Forum
Vegetarian Diet