 |
|
New scientific review shows vegetarian diets cause major weight loss
April 03, 2006Controlled research trials prove diet's efficacy
WASHINGTON-A scientific review in April's Nutrition Reviews shows that a vegetarian diet is highly effective for weight loss. Vegetarian populations tend to be slimmer than meat-eaters, and they experience lower rates of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other life-threatening conditions linked to overweight and obesity. The new review, compiling data from 87 previous studies, shows the weight-loss effect does not depend on exercise or calorie-counting, and it occurs at a rate of approximately 1 pound per week.
Rates of obesity in the general population are skyrocketing, while in vegetarians, obesity prevalence ranges from 0 percent to 6 percent, note study authors Susan E. Berkow, Ph.D., C.N.S., and Neal D. Barnard, M.D., of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM).
The authors found that the body weight of both male and female vegetarians is, on average, 3 percent to 20 percent lower than that of meat-eaters. Vegetarian and vegan diets have also been put to the test in clinical studies, as the review notes. The best of these clinical studies isolated the effects of diet by keeping exercise constant. The researchers found that a low-fat vegan diet leads to weight loss of about 1 pound per week, even without additional exercise or limits on portion sizes, calories, or carbohydrates.
"Our research reveals that people can enjoy unlimited portions of high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to achieve or maintain a healthy body weight without feeling hungry," says Dr. Berkow, the lead author.
"There is evidence that a vegan diet causes an increased calorie burn after meals, meaning plant-based foods are being used more efficiently as fuel for the body, as opposed to being stored as fat," says Dr. Barnard. Insulin sensitivity is increased by a vegan diet, allowing nutrients to more rapidly enter the cells of the body to be converted to heat rather than to fat.
Earlier this month, a team of researchers led by Tim Key of Oxford University found that meat-eaters who switched to a plant-based diet gained less weight over a period of five years. Papers reviewed by Drs. Berkow and Barnard include several published by Dr. Key and his colleagues, as well as a recent study of more than 55,000 Swedish women showing that meat-eaters are more likely to be overweight than vegetarians and vegans.
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
The authors found that the body weight of both male and female vegetarians is, on average, 3 percent to 20 percent lower than that of meat-eaters. Vegetarian and vegan diets have also been put to the test in clinical studies, as the review notes. The best of these clinical studies isolated the effects of diet by keeping exercise constant. The researchers found that a low-fat vegan diet leads to weight loss of about 1 pound per week, even without additional exercise or limits on portion sizes, calories, or carbohydrates.
"Our research reveals that people can enjoy unlimited portions of high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to achieve or maintain a healthy body weight without feeling hungry," says Dr. Berkow, the lead author.
"There is evidence that a vegan diet causes an increased calorie burn after meals, meaning plant-based foods are being used more efficiently as fuel for the body, as opposed to being stored as fat," says Dr. Barnard. Insulin sensitivity is increased by a vegan diet, allowing nutrients to more rapidly enter the cells of the body to be converted to heat rather than to fat.
Earlier this month, a team of researchers led by Tim Key of Oxford University found that meat-eaters who switched to a plant-based diet gained less weight over a period of five years. Papers reviewed by Drs. Berkow and Barnard include several published by Dr. Key and his colleagues, as well as a recent study of more than 55,000 Swedish women showing that meat-eaters are more likely to be overweight than vegetarians and vegans.
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
Vegetarian Diet Current Events and Vegetarian Diet News RSSFirst 'mainly vegetarian' spider described
The 40,000 or so spiders that have been described are generally known as strict predators, trapping their prey in elaborate webs or hunting them down directly.
ADA releases updated position paper on vegetarian diets
The American Dietetic Association has released an updated position paper on vegetarian diets that concludes such diets, if well-planned, are healthful and nutritious for adults, infants, children and adolescents and can help prevent and treat chronic diseases including heart disease, cancer, obesity and diabetes.
Young vegetarians may have healthier diets but could be at risk for disordered eating behaviors
Although adolescent and young adult vegetarians may eat a healthier diet, there is some evidence that they may be at increased risk for disordered eating behaviors.
Hairspray is linked to common genital birth defect, says study
Women who are exposed to hairspray in the workplace during pregnancy have more than double the risk of having a son with the genital birth defect hypospadias, according to a new study published today in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.
UI anthropologist, colleagues discover remains of earliest giant panda
Although it may sound like an oxymoron, a University of Iowa anthropologist and his colleagues report the first discovery of a skull from a "pygmy-sized" giant panda -- the earliest-known ancestor of the giant panda -- that lived in south China some two million years ago.
Pills or papayas? Survey finds Americans want healthful foods, not more medicines
If you thought Americans would rather pop a pill to treat illness than make major diet changes, think again. A new survey shows the vast majority would rather change their diets—including trying a vegetarian diet—than use medicines.
Does too much protein in the diet increase cancer risk?
A great deal of research connects nutrition with cancer risk. Overweight people are at higher risk of developing post-menopausal breast cancer, endometrial cancer, colon cancer, kidney cancer and a certain type of esophageal cancer.
Study finds that a woman's chances of having twins can be modified by diet
An obstetrician well known for his care of and research into multiple-birth pregnancies has found that dietary changes can affect a woman's chances of having twins, and that her overall chance is determined by a combination of diet and heredity.
More Vegetarian Diet Current Events and Vegetarian Diet News Articles
 |
The New Becoming Vegetarian: The Essential Guide To A Healthy Vegetarian Diet by Vesanto Melina (Author), Brenda Davis (Author) Comprehensive and well-researched, this new edition provides everything you need to know about making a healthy transition to a vegetarian diet or maximizing its benefits if already a vegetarian. Updated with the latest recommendations for intakes of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fats, the authors show how to achieve optimal nutrition for all stages of life. Easy-to-read tables, figures, menus, and food guides help you determine how to meet your nutritional requirements. You'll also learn what plant-based dietary components and factors play active roles in both the prevention and treatment of chronic illnesses. And for practical application, over 50 new and easy recipes show how to incorporate highly nutritious ingredients - some of which may be unfamiliar. These delicious... |
 |
The Vegetarian Low-Carb Diet: The Fast, No-Hunger Weightloss Diet for Vegetarians by Rose Elliot (Author) Finally, the diet vegetarians have been waiting for, Have you been feeling left out lately? Many is the vegetarian or vegan who has watched their meat-eating friends with envy as they followed the Atkins diet and the pounds dropped off. There's no doubt about it: a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet really does work. But what about vegetarians and vegans? Is it possible to follow a high-protein diet without the fry-ups or the meat? And can it really be a healthy way of life? The answer to all these questions is a resounding 'yes'. Top vegetarian cookery writer Rose Elliot has devised an easy to follow, meat-free answer to the Atkins diet. Scientifically formulated to make your metabolism stop burning carbs and start burning fat, her diet helps you to lose weight and make carb cravings,... |
 |
The Flexitarian Diet: The Mostly Vegetarian Way to Lose Weight, Be Healthier, Prevent Disease, and Add Years to Your Life by Dawn Jackson Blatner (Author) If you'd like to have all the health benefits of a vegetarian diet--but can't imagine giving up meat . . . "With her flexible mix-and-match plans, Dawn Jackson Blatner gives us a smart new approach to cooking and eating." "The Flexitarian Diet is a fresh approach to eating that's balanced, smart, and completely do-able." “Offers a comprehensive,... |
 |
Being Vegetarian for Dummies by Suzanne Havala (Author) Maybe you're one of the many meat eaters who have heard about the health and other benefits of a vegetarian diet? You want to make it a part of your life, but when it comes to slicing meat out of meals, you may be at a loss. How do you get enough protein and other nutrients? And how d oyou keep meals tasty and exciting? This friendly guide shows you the fun and easy way to go meatless. It offers:A field guide to vegetarian lifestyles, from lacto-ovo to veganMeal planning, from quick meals to extravagant feastsTips on how to manage social events, restaurants, and travel meals |
 |
Weight Watchers Versatile Vegetarian by Weight Watchers (Author) One of the greatest challenges for vegetarians is keeping the fat levels in their diet at a healthy level -- Weight Watchers makes that easy with fresh, delicious meals that are short on fat, and long on flavor. Weight Watchers Versatile Vegetarian brings you 150 easy recipes that highlight the best of vegetarian food -- from delectable lasagna and other pastas, to pizza, main course salads and sandwiches, skillet meals, appetizers and creative side dishes. Recipes are low in fat, especially saturated fat, which has been linked to heart disease and many forms of cancer. |
 |
Becoming Vegetarian: The Complete Guide to Adopting a Healthy Vegetarian Diet by Versanto Melina (Author), Brenda Davis (Author), Victoria Harrison (Author), Suzanne Havala (Foreword) Becoming Vegetarian is a comprehensive and up-to-the minute guide to achieving a healthful vegetarian lifestyle. Written by three highly qualified dietitians, all of the key questions which arise for those who are beginning a dietary shift away from animal products are addressed, as well as those questions long term vegetarians have who want to ensure that their dietary pattern is nutritionally adequate. |
 |
The Dietitian's Guide to Vegetarian Diets: Issues and Applications by Vegetarian Resource Group (Author), Virginia Kisch Messina (Author), Inc. Nutrition Matters (Author), Reed Mangels (Author), Mark Messina (Author) A Dietitian’s Guide to Vegetarian Diets: Issues and Applications, Second Edition highlights the current trends and research on vegetarian diets and translates the information into practical ideas to assist dietitians and other health care providers in aiding their clients. The text presents vital information on vegetarian nutritional needs, healthier and more satisfying diets, as well as guidelines for treating clients of all ages and clients with special considerations, such as pregnant women, athletes, and diabetics. This edition takes into account new research, epidemiological studies, debates, and changes in the food market as well as the different types of vegetarian diets. It also includes a number of new topics. |
 |
The Green Diet: Weight Loss for Vegetarians by Roz Denny (Author) Whether you want to lose just a few pounds, or completely change your eating habits, size and shape, The Green Diet is full of tips and hints for healthy eating. It tells you how to avoid the crash diet and stay lean, how to educated your fat cells, and how to limit your intake without losing the essentials. It also includes excellent fillers for fridge-pickers and exercise for loafers. A must for anyone who wants to lose weight – for life. |
 |
Carb Conscious Vegetarian: 150 Delicious Recipes for a Healthy Lifestyle by Robin Robertson (Author) Now you can enjoy healthy, low-carb meals without the cholesterol-in this collection of high-protein, high-fiber meat and dairy-free recipes The low-carb revolution continues to take the nation by storm. But the heavy emphasis these diets place on meats leaves vegetarians in the lurch. Now acclaimed cookbook author Robin Robertson offers 150 fabulous carb-conscious vegetarian recipes-meat and dairy-free dishes that banish refined carbohydrates and bring out the best flavors from vegetables and other vegetarian ingredients. |
 |
Vegetarian Diet Directed By: Rex Barnett Studio: Victor Multimedia-05 Release Date: 09/18/2007 Run time: 32 minutes |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |