Large Review Shows Weight Loss with Vegetarian Diets

Adopting a vegetarian diet leads to weight loss, without calorie counting or exercise, according to a new meta-analysis published by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Researchers from the Physicians Committee analyzed data from 15 studies which included a total of 755 participants, 197 of whom were prescribed vegetarian diets and 558 a vegan diet for at least four weeks, and found an average weight loss range of 7.5 to 10 pounds. People who were heavier to start with lost more weight. Weight loss can decrease one’s risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some forms of cancer.