According to a new meta-analysis, a vegetarian diet causes weight loss, even without exercise or calorie counting. Researchers found that individuals who switched to a vegetarian diet lost an average of about 10 pounds (~4.5 kg) over 44 weeks. People who were heavier to begin with lost more weight, and men and older participants reported the greatest weight loss. The authors of the study hope that healthcare providers will prescribe this dietary approach to patients who need help managing their weight and health. Study author Dr. Susan Levin adds, “If you’re overweight, losing just 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can slash the risk of both type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.”
Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetic, January 2015