Controlling Your Weight

Obesity rates in the US continue to increase at an alarming rate. In fact more than one-third of American adults and almost 17% of youth are classified as “obese.” According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “Obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer, some of the leading causes of preventable death”.

New research shows that eating vegetarian may be the most effective way to lose weight and keep it off! A recent Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics study included dietary data from five groups: meat-eaters, flexitarians, lacto-ovo vegetarians, and vegans. Data was collected between 2002 and 2007 from 71,751 men and women. Researchers found that participants’ body mass index was highest among meat-eaters and lowest in those following a vegan diet. In fact, the prevalence of obesity among vegetarians ranges from 0-6%.

Are you trying to lose weight? Focus your meals around more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and plant-based proteins — foods high in fiber with less calories.

Want to learn more about the lastest in nutrition related research? Visit NutritionFacts.org