Vegetarian Weight Loss - Does it Work?

There are many reasons that people choose to adopt a vegetarian diet. From ethical concerns about animals and the environment to health and religious reasons and many of the other vegetarian benefits, more and more people each year decide to cut meat and many other animal products from their diets. One of the most common reasons people give for wanting to give up meat, however, is for vegetarian weight loss.

Studies have shown that vegetarians tend to have a healthier body weight than those who eat a non-vegetarian diet. This is due, in part, to the fact that these diets contain far less saturated fat and cholesterol than regular diets and often do not include processed foods. Vegetarians find it easier to maintain their weight loss, and those who are committed to the lifestyle are often at a much reduced risk for developing a variety of weight and diet related conditions like obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension.

But in recent years many have become "fad vegetarians" in an effort to lose weight. These people will often cut out meat and other products like dairy for a period of time in order to help them drop some pounds. While this approach certainly has the potential to be effective due to the increased intake of more nutritious and whole foods, vegetarian weight loss achieved may often be lost once people return to their regular diets.

As any vegetarian will tell you, this diet can be extremely rewarding and healthy but is not without its difficulties (especially for those who ate meat and other animal products for a long time before giving it up). Vegetarianism is not a diet; it is a lifestyle, and while those who temporarily become vegetarian for weight loss will see some results, they may easily be fleeting if the individual is not committed to permanently adopting a healthy way of life.

If you are concerned about your weight and want tips for losing weight in a healthy manner, or are considering becoming a vegetarian for reasons other than weight loss, consult with your primary care provider. He or she will be able to give you advice on weight management and nutrition and help you make educated decisions for your vegetarian health.