Most vegetarians are overweight?!!!

[Artichoke47]

That got your attention, huh?

My mom informed me of this the other day, exclaiming that all vegetarians she knew were overweight. I think she actually said "fat," but I won't use such demeaning words.

Now, I didn't respond with, "Well, most ominvores I know are overweight," but I did tell her that obviously, just because someone is vegetarian or vegan doesn't mean that they will eat healthy.

What do you guys think of this? Are most vegans or vegetarians you know overweight? I always thought that especially vegans have an easier time with weight control/maintenance because our bodies can use the calories we put in, assuming we are eating our fruits and vegetables and whole grains.

[gertvegan]

How many veg*ns does your mom really know artichoke47 ? I've never heard veg*ns being labeled as overweight, its usually the exact opposite. There is some info about bmi in the plant based nutrition book by Stephen Walsh, which I don't have to hand. I'll have a look tonight, though its got to be online somewhere.

[Artichoke47]

That's a good question, Gert, because I have no clue who she was speaking of. I wonder if she really does know vegetarians. She's one of those people who says that they can't eat carbs, so maybe she just ASSUMES that vegetarians who eat a lot of carbs are going to be overweight.

[harpy]

I know quite a few overweight vegetarians and vegans - not everyone lives on wholefoods and there is plenty of vegetarian and vegan junk out there. Sadly I've found it just as easy to become overweight as a vegetarian and vegan as it was as an omnivore (though I'm determined not to do it again!).

According to the statistics I've seen, e.g. in the Walsh book, fewer vegetarians than omnivores are overweight, and fewer vegans than vegetarians. That still gives us plenty of scope though - latest figure I saw was that 75% of the adult UK population is overweight. Can that be right?

[Gorilla]

i'm a bit sceptical about the figures of overweight and obese people in this country. if 75% of people really are overweight, where are they?! i don't know that many overweight people, veg*n or not.

but as i have said in a previous thread, i know 3 other veggies who are really skinny. all the vegans i have met are also slim or average build. i lost six pounds after going vegan without even trying, and have stabilised by weight at a healthy level.

many people love junk food, so veg*n or not there will always be some who are overweight. but most veg*ns are more aware of what they put into their bodies and eat junk in moderation.

[Vivisanctor]

artichoke:

I think that your mom is speaking from what she's seen. A lot of people become vegetarian thinking it is a good way to lose weight, which seems to be the case. Most people who are going to be talking about their diet are going to be people who recently began a certain diet. So your mom may have talked to some fat people who recently became vegetarian for their health, but have not yet shown the effects of the diet, and since it's new to them they're spouting off about it.

edit:

since this is your mom, someone you love, and not just some schmo off the street whose opinion you do not value, I suggest finding some good statistics and studies concerning vegan/vegetarian health compared to omni health. You wouldn't want her thinking you're going to get fat; and also it may get her interested in veganism. Either way, good luck with her; and don't make the mistake of being pushy with her about veganism like I am with my mom all the time..

[amritab@yahoo.com]

Unfortunately. ..a lot of western vegetarians think veg food is pasta with tomato sauce or pizza with veggies. they dont balance their diet with enough fruits, veggies, and high complex carb and protein beans, grains, lentils, soy products etc that can keep you full for longer on fewer cals. so though I personally dont know any overweight vegans (i know lots of slim ones), I can believe that to be true. These people just need to read a bit more about nutrition otherwise they will end up doing "Atkins"(argh) because some overweight omnivore will tell them they need "protein". gosh, how many idiots do you need to tell that you can get quite a bit of protein in the vegan diet.

[eve]

I received this email today from pcrm, which seems pertinent to this thread:
Vegan Diet Proves Its Acceptability

"A new study shows that a major diet overhaul is easier than most people might have imagined. The study, funded by The Cancer Project of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, included 64 overweight, postmenopausal women who were randomly assigned to either a low-fat, vegan diet or a more conventional low-fat diet following the guidelines of the National Cholesterol Education Program. After 14 weeks, the vegan group lost significantly more weight (13 pounds, compared to 8 pounds for the low-fat group). The current report, however, focused on the diets’ acceptability.

Using quantitative questionnaires, the researchers asked the participants how well they liked their new diets, how easy they were to prepare, how much effort they required, and other questions about the adaptation process.

Overall, both groups gave their assigned diets high marks. While some might imagine a vegan diet to be Spartan, it was reported to be “good,” “moderately good,” or “extremely good” by 93% of participants. The vegan participants did find that their meals required more preparation than did a totally unrestricted diet. The low-fat group reported increasing “dietary restraint,” suggesting they were somewhat perturbed by the diet’s requirements, but the vegan group reported no such change. Both groups had diminished hunger on their assigned diets, compared to their usual diets, and the vegans, in particular, reported weight loss and increased energy.

The researchers concluded that the acceptability of the low-fat, vegan diet was high, and not demonstrably different from that of a more moderate low-fat diet.

Here is the reference:

Barnard ND, Scialli, Turner-McGrievy GM, Lanou AJ. Acceptability of a very-low-fat, vegan diet compares favorably to a more moderate low-fat diet in a randomized, controlled trial. J Cardiopulm Rehab 2004;24:229-35.

For information about nutrition and health, please visit www.pcrm.org.

[Artichoke47]

Awesome article!

I didn't think most vegetarians were overweight, either; I don't know where my mom gained that "information." She certainly can see that I'm not overweight, so there's one vegan who is not.

[beforewisdom]

I have seen a lot of fat vegetarians and vegans.

It only takes an extra 250 calories a day to put on a 1/2 pound a week, or 25 pounds in a year. Most sodas, juices, drinks have close to this in a serving.

Drinking things other then water, sweets, lack of exercise, flour products( even whole grain ), and other refined carbs make people fat

[phillip888]

Actually too many calories make people fat... he he


So I'm confused about thaw artichokes mom said. I though all vegans were pale and skinny? I'm getting all these mixed messages. Which one is most likely to make an omni comfortable with their actions?

[Vivisanctor]

the omni's already win every time they eat. Many of the animals they eat are vegan by nature!

[foxytina_69]

i actually find it easier to maintain my weight being a vegan than being an omnivore.

[foxytina_69]

i dont watch my calories at all and i still find it easier to maintain my weight

[NS Vegan]

My mom informed me of this the other day, exclaiming that all vegetarians she knew were overweight.

I've never seen much evidence to support this.

[assilembob]

Well...I am overweight, but that is left over from my pre-vegan days and my really heavy high school omni days...
When I became veggie I lost over 60 lbs. I gained a bit back when I started eating A LOT of cheese and pasta. I was back up to 190, forty less than in highschool. I have lost around 20 again...but I am still not to my ideal 155...and I am flabby. It is a pain.
~Mel

[merwen4]

I gained 15 pounds when I switched from omni to vegan, and it was because I initially doubled my carb intake and cut out protein. I didn't do that on purpose, but because I was cooking for my omni husband and myself, I would just skip the meat he was having and eat twice as much of whatever starchy side we fixed. Not too brilliant, obviously. Fifteen extra pounds on someone who is five feet tall makes a big difference.

My in-laws pointed out the problem (I hadn't even noticed), and I've been careful to balance carbs with protein and veggies. Since then, I've lost 25 pounds and my body seems to be happy at the weight it's at (i.e., I don't gain or lose much, if any, from day to day). I'm thinner than I've ever been (skinnier than high school even!). And I don't have to sweat it; I just weigh every morning and that sort of tells me how much I can indulge my sweet tooth that day

I'd like to be a really healthy vegan and start exercising. The apartment my husband and I just moved into is on the third floor, and I'm thinking all those stairs should be a big help!

[Trendygirl]

I have met some over weight veggies as well as some vegan ones. In both veggies and vegans cases it will be down to too much carbohydrates and not enough exercise. However a vegetarian could still easily consume the same amount of animal fats as meat eaters if they eat a lot of dairy products. A vegetarian can be just as unhealthy as a meat eating one.

On the counting calories; I don’t feel that I need to. If anything it’s my portion size, best to keep to a smaller plate. Sounds silly but it does help!

I have never been what you could class as over weight but I think my diet does help to keep me slim. I think that if I was still eating meat into my twenty’s when you metabolism slows down, I would have put on weight.

[eve]

hi assilembob, hope you've given away all dairy foods.

[Flame7]

Im over the 'ideal' weight indicated on most charts. Im a big 'foodie' and always have been. I guess people who love food come in all categories and walks of life so its only logical that some vegans would be a little on the chunky side. I must admit, its much easier to gain weight now there are more vegan processed foods on the market. In the early years of my veganism I was very slim but have gained weight over the years due to relying on processed foods, just like many meat eaters.

xxFlame7

[Andie]

A friend of mine used to be a vegetarian and gained lots of weight. Then she went on Atkins and lost some weight. When I told her I became a vegan she freaked out. I think she felt guilty for not being a vegetarian. She started in on what cavemen ate!!!
I didn't know her as a vegetarian but she reports eating lots of dairy. It's a shame she didn't go vegan. She thinks I'm going to lose energy and be emaciated. No chance. I have a big appetite and have to keep myself from having too much orange juice, avacados, tortilla shells, nut butters and other high fat vegan goodies. Since I became a vegan two months ago, I've lost around 10 pounds. I also started exercising about the same time. My energy level is up as well.

[homage47]

I've heard that meat eaters get a permanent coating of rotting meat inside thier guts. when / if they cut out the meat the stomach wall becomes clear of this blockage allowing alot more energy + carb etc to get into the bloodsteam which is then turned into fat!

Which then gives you the new veggie fatty. Anyone aggree or disagree?

[gertvegan]

HERES an article, "Why do so many vegans seem so frail?" from John Robbins on the stereotyped image of vegans being if anything, underweight rather than overweight.

It does depend on what someone has come to think of as normal.

[PinkFluffyCloud]

I think it's hilarious - I couldn't look skinny and frail if I tried!!!!

[Flame7]

no me either, for me to be skinny Id have to starve myself and exercise 24 hours a day....Im definately dont fit the stereotype, Im a curvy size 16! I never could figure out where the 'skinny vegan' image came from, I dont know any.

xxFlame7

[tails4wagging]

Me, skinny, I wish!!. I am a size 18 weight has not changed for years!!

[feline01]

Me and a fellow overweight vegan friend lament that we are 2 of the 1% of vegans who are obese . According to Brenda Davis' book, Becoming Vegan-11% of vegans are overweight and 1% are obese. THis is still way below the US national average of over 50% of the population being overweight and somewhere around 35% being obese. I'm going back to the gym starting 12/1/04 just reactivated my gym membership today so I'm looking forward to making some changes

[eve]

This week I've enrolled in a gym, not to try and lose fat, but for weight-bearing exercises. It's really great having a personal trainer to keep give me incentive. Like tails4wagging I am a size 18 and haven't changed for years!!

[JasperKat]

My friend's wedding is next summer and the bridesmaids dresses have spaghetti straps. I need to do some toning, but I hate the gym. I really want to believe in those magic weight loss pills and goofy gadgets that promise to firm you up without any exertion at all. I really really want to believe. Maybe I'll do Vegan Atkins.
-JK

[gothic_ana]

most people who r vegan or vege i know r just "normal" weight (other than the ones who do abmormal things)

[Mystic]

My friend's wedding is next summer and the bridesmaids dresses have spaghetti straps. I need to do some toning, but I hate the gym. I really want to believe in those magic weight loss pills and goofy gadgets that promise to firm you up without any exertion at all. I really really want to believe. Maybe I'll do Vegan Atkins.
-JK

Atkins is the biggest load of crap diet I have ever heard of And a vegan version - LOL, all you would be eating would be peanuts Too bad JK - looks like healthy eating and moderate exercise for you

[kriz]

I know overweight vegans and I know skinny ones - I'm somewhere in the middle. I think it all comes down to portion size and how much junk you eat, no matter what diet you follow. I have to make as much effort as any meat eater if I want to lose weight; cut down on sugar, simple carbs, fat and junk. My weight would probably not be any higher or lower if I ate meat... my whole family look pretty much like me and they all eat a lot of animal fat But I'm the one with the lowest cholesterol (140) no doubt about that.

[Fruitbat]

Once upon a time the food choices were so limiting for vegans and vegetarians that they were generally think (hence the stereotyped weedy looking vegan image) but nowadays with the explosion of specialised foods, almost any diet except maybe fruitarian ones can be as healthy or as unhealthy as an omni diet thus all sizes of ppl are founds. Generally though I think vegans in particular are leaner because it is harder to get calories on a vegan diet and usually vegans are health and food-aware anyway.

[PinkFluffyCloud]

I couldn't agree more, Fruitbat - also, it is easy to fall into a trap of believing that Vegan (or Vegetarian) stuff is all 'good', when a lot of it is total crap, unless you are fastidious about eating healthfully (like you do!).

[Fruitbat]

Having said that unhealth vegan foods are still healthier... in fact thats how veganism cured me of an ED! I mean vegan ice cream is unhealthy yes but the dairy equivalent also unhealthy would be unhealthier because it contains cholesterol!! Well that is what I used to say to myself and it was the only that worked to get me eating again!

Hehehehe - one of the staff at my sports centre said to my friend one ay as they watched me running: "She was a right scrawny little thing when she started coming and now look at her - big strong strapping girl she has become!"

[deadinside]

I was a vegetarian before I was a vegan and I noticed a HUGE difference between the two. I started exercising more and while I was a vegetarian I noticed weight loss, but not as much as when I became a vegan, plus my energy in general was way up. I guess it depends on portions, exercise, etc.

[DonQuinoa]

I'm a fat vegan which is kind of embarrassing as I am married to a nutritionist.

It's good too though because it destroys the skinny stereo type - people say you can't be vegan - look at you! - you're too fat!

Thankfully I'm not as fat as this guy from thefat vegan project who is a really fat vegan at over 20 Stone.

He says he's put on over 8 stone in the last 6 years which is over a stone of fat a year , that's over a pound of fat a month, an extra ounce and a half of fat every 2 days.

His poor liver!! That is a total supersize me! Morgan Spurlock ? just Pussy fat!

Admittedly this may be something to do with this Fat Vegan's lack of vegetables in his diet - Potatoes? sorry they don't count! A look at The 5 A Day project may be a good place to start!

This guy needs lots of support so please leave comments at his Fat Vegan Blog at The Fat Vegan Project website.

[Jamie]

I'm another fat vegan! (I don't mind saying it!). I've been fat since childhood though although it went down a little in my late teens, since I got married it's pretty much very slowly crept up and up. I was hoping I'd lose some of it when I decided to go vegan (that wasn't the reason for it though), but I haven't, I've actually put on a couple of pounds. I'm not so sure why - I don't eat tooo excessively, and not too much crap, I avoid processed foods... I'm not exercising too much but I have improved from almost none at all. I guess I just need to keep with it. At the moment though I'm focusing on eating healthily, aiming for my 5-a-day, variety, regular eating, and working in more exercise. I've tried jumping into exercise and going crazy but it never lasts so I'm hoping slowly but surely will do it.

I've started to wonder if this is just the way my body might like being - I've been this way for so much of my life. If I were to lose a lot of weight, that would be great, but maybe it's time to stop focusing so much on wishing I was thin and just try to be really healthy.

[tipsy]

most people i know are overweight.

period...

oh well, its effin america.

supersize it please?

[Hemlock]

Me and John are certainly overweight, we don't eat desserts or chocolate or anything, just home cooked wholegrain foods......just too much of them.
Both of us are on a diet at the moment.
You can indeed get fat on wholewheat pasta, granary bread and what have you, if you exceed your calorie allowance.

[Jamie]

OK so you're supposed to eat less.. but what if you're still hungry?!! That's my problem!!

[randomguru]

i actually find it easier to maintain my weight being a vegan than being an omnivore.

i've been the same weigh... i mean, way.

as long as i'm on a balanced vegan diet, i have an advantage in controlling my weight. back when i was an omnivore... forget it. for me the difference between being an omnivore and a vegan was 50 lbs!

i come from a family that seems to be very efficient with caloric intake... in other words, my whole family tends to be on the heavy side. but because i'm the only vegan in the family... i am obviously the leanest/skinnest one in the family.

so, from my experience, there is something to be said about vegans tending to be leaner than omnivores.

of course, like others have said. you can be vegan and eat vegan junk food.

the concept of caloric intake versus exercising and burning calories applies to both vegans and omnivores. but, i do believe that vegans tend to have the advantage.

[DonQuinoa]

Re still hungry

Chris will be doing it over a year so follow his progress and the professional advice he gets and post your comments, tips and whether it works for you etc.

[feral]

Jamie that's my problem too, I eat a pretty good diet but when I'm hungry I have to eat or I have no energy and get headacy & nauseous!

[kriz]

OK so you're supposed to eat less.. but what if you're still hungry?!! That's my problem!!

I've never lost weight without feeling a little hungry. It's normal and sometimes necessary to achieve your goal.

[sugarmouse]

I dont know any vegans but i have known a lot of fat vegetarians, very fat ones...for that matter!LOli think many vegetarians tend to eat lots of stodgy carbs, and cheese. i used to be bigger when i was a vegetarian but i think ut was down to cheese.lol

[Limey]

most people i know are overweight.

period...

oh well, its effin america.

supersize it please?

Tis true!

I went to a Mexican place for lunch today and they brought my burrito out on a PLATTER. Not a plate, a platter. This thing was huuuge. Ridiculous! Must have weighed about 10 pounds. I was so annoyed.
I wish I had a camera. My friend's dish was also on a platter. About 5 huge scoops of rice, a massive taco and about 5 scoops of refried beans covered in cheese. The kicker? She ordered that off the "Small Entree" section as opposed to the "Large Entree" section.

[Pilaf]

I've gained a little weight since going vegan, but I definately maintain better than I did as an omni.

[DonQuinoa]

Chris The Fat Vegan is doing really well - he's already lost 8 lbs

See http://fatveganproject.blogspot.com/

A bit of encouragement would be good!

[sandra]

I have actually lost half a stone since becoming vegan 6 months ago, I was only 8st 4lbs to start with and now I'm 7st 10lbs. I am seeing the doctor tomorrow so I might mention it to him as there might be another reason for my weight loss. I still eat, vegan biscuits, chocolate, sweets etc so I don't know why I've lost so much. I feel very healthy though!