3 Reasons You Gain Weight After Going Vegetarian (2024)

FAQs

Why am I gaining weight after going vegetarian? ›

Not Enough Protein

As you make the switch from eating meat to a vegetarian diet, you might forget to eat all the protein that your body requires. This is a recipe for disaster as well as potential weight gain.

Vegetarian weight gain may be intentional or unintentional, but it is possible. You can lose, maintain or gain weight on a meatless diet. The fluctuations in your weight may be directly related to your diet — calories consumed — or external factors.

The most common reasons for gaining or not losing weight on a vegan diet are due increased carb and fat consumption instead of protein, too many vegan processed foods, and desserts, imbalanced meals, insufficient nutrient intake, and more.

People become vegetarians for many reasons, including health, religious convictions, concerns about animal welfare or the use of antibiotics and hormones in livestock, or a desire to eat in a way that avoids excessive use of environmental resources.

Some barriers to losing weight on a vegetarian diet include not eating enough protein and relying too heavily on refined carbs, calorie-rich foods, and highly processed items.

“Vegetarian diets, although heart healthy, can make weight loss challenging due to their high percentage of calories from carbohydrates,” says registered dietitian Julia Zumpano, RD.

Animal products contain much more fat than plant-based foods. Because vegetarian diets are the only diets that work for long-term weight loss, it's no surprise that population studies show that meat-eaters have three times the obesity rate of vegetarians and nine times the obesity rate of vegans.

Vegetarians tend to weigh less than meat-eaters, and to have lower cancer rates. “Evidence also suggests that a vegetarian diet is associated with a lower risk of death from certain heart diseases, and that those who follow a vegetarian diet tend to have lower LDL [“bad”] cholesterol levels,” says Engel.

While many believe a vegetarian diet is generally healthier than a non-vegetarian diet, the reverse has been observed when it comes to morbid obesity. The main reason for this is a 'nutrition transition', which involves whole plant foods being replaced by processed and fried foods, as well as refined carbohydrates.

But don't be fooled: Plant-based diets come with the same basic principle of any eating pattern. “If you're not burning off more calories than you're consuming, you'll gain weight,” says Kristin Gustashaw, an advanced clinical dietitian with Rush Medical Center in Chicago.

Will plant-based protein make you gain weight? ›

Luckily, plant-based proteins can help make sure you don't gain weight. This is because studies have shown that plant-based proteins are better for correct brain functioning. This means that when consuming plant-based proteins, your brain is better able to signal to your body that you're full.

Cons of being a vegetarian

High-carb diets cause your blood pressure to spike and drop, which negatively impacts overall health and increases your likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. Other cons of being a vegetarian include vitamin deficiencies, especially when it comes to nutrients found only in meat.

The health factor

A plant-based diet focuses on fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, peas, lentils and nuts. It's rich in fiber, vitamins and other nutrients. And people who don't eat meat, called vegetarians, generally eat fewer calories and less fat. They also tend to weigh less.

Vegetarian diets are associated with higher metabolic rates, according to a study published in Nutrients. Researchers monitored the diets and metabolic rates for 24 vegetarian and 26 nonvegetarian participants.

Simply, vegan face is a name for a slack, wasted look that is caused by an absence of protein in your diet.

Most of the challenges associated with a vegetarian diet are related to getting the full amount of nutrients your body needs. Vegetarians may have a harder time getting the right amount of protein, vitamin-B12 and omega 3 fatty acids as someone who eats meat.

Because vegan diets are more nutrient dense than calorically dense (meaning, you eat many nutrient rich plant foods with lower amounts of calories per serving), it is normal to feel hungry more frequently than non-vegans or non-vegetarians. Here's the good news – eat more!

How much does the average vegetarian weigh? ›

The mean height for vegetarian subjects (n = 66.2 inches), non-vegetarians (n = 69.3 inches.) The average weight for the vegetarians (n = 143 lbs.), non-vegetarians (n = 173 lbs.)

Over time, your skin loses its volume and its youthfulness. A vegan diet tends to be higher in antioxidants and other nutrients that have anti-inflammatory properties. These are linked to better health and brighter, more glowing skin. So yes, in many cases, vegans do have better skin!

Vegetarians appear to have lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure and lower rates of hypertension and type 2 diabetes than meat eaters. Vegetarians also tend to have a lower body mass index, lower overall cancer rates and lower risk of chronic disease.

Anywhere from three to six weeks, Esselstyn explained. Often, when a patient diligently follows a plant-based diet and then stays on it for up to six weeks, Dr. Esselstyn told The Beet, they see a dramatic improvement in their circulation and their ED is reversed, even without the benefit of a pill.

Analysis: Numerous studies have shown that a vegetarian diet is one of the most effective for maintaining health. Plant-based diets are healthier than diets where meat is consumed, whether measured by the occurrence of heart disease, cancer, or death.

People who follow a vegan diet tend to eat more carbohydrate-rich foods such as wheat, white rice, and sugar, as it is difficult to feel satisfied with the lack of meat and other foods. As a result, blood sugar levels rise, and the skin ages more easily.

Typically, a plant-based diet is high in vitamin C, lysine and antioxidants, all of which help with the production of collagen at a cellular level. In turn, this helps the skin to stay supple and youthful-looking. Another aspect of a plant-based diet is a high level of beta-carotene.

Results: The prevalence of overweight or obesity (BMI >/= 25) was 40% among omnivores, 29% among both semivegetarians and vegans, and 25% among lactovegetarians.

Going vegan side effects sometimes include anemia, disruptions in hormone production, vitamin B12 deficiencies, and depression from a lack of omega-3 fatty acids. That's why it's crucial to include plenty of proteins, vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, calcium, iodine, zinc, and omega-3s in your diet.

How much weight can you lose by being a vegetarian for a month? ›

This weight loss pace will allow you to shed 1-2 pounds (0.45-1 kg) a week (4), adding up to around 4-8 pounds (2-4 kg) a month. Read More: Vegetarian Weight Loss Meal Plan For 1200 Calories: Revamp Your Diet Right Now!

Plants are high in fiber.

Eating a plant-based diet improves the health of your gut so you are better able to absorb the nutrients from food that support your immune system and reduce inflammation. Fiber can lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar and it's great for good bowel management.

Excess protein consumed is usually stored as fat, while the surplus of amino acids is excreted. This can lead to weight gain over time, especially if you consume too many calories while trying to increase your protein intake.

Even though plant-based protein is healthier than animal-based protein, if you eat more than 2 grams per kilogram of body weight per day, research suggests that this can cause long-term health problems. Symptoms of eating too much protein include intestinal discomfort, dehydration and nausea.

For example, a plant protein like soy can cause gas, bloating and discomfort in some people — all indicators of slower absorption and digestion. Plant-based proteins are also high in fiber, which can cause an upset stomach if your body isn't used to consuming increased amounts of fiber.

Vegetarian diets are naturally low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and high in fiber, which may help to prevent heart disease, diabetes, kidney stones, and some cancers. Large studies even suggest that vegetarians have a 40% lower risk of developing cancer compared to meat eaters.

Here, we'll focus on the most popular vegetarian diets which are flexitarian, pescatarian, lacto-ovo vegetarian and veganism.

A vegetarian diet reduces the risk for chronic degenerative diseases such as obesity, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and certain types of cancer including colon, breast, prostate, stomach, lung and esophageal cancer.

What are the side effects of not eating meat? ›

You may feel tired and weak if you cut meat out of your diet. That's because you're missing an important source of protein and iron, both of which give you energy. The body absorbs more iron from meat than other foods, but it's not your only choice.

Vegetarian diets can promote weight loss because they focus on nutrient-dense, low-calorie foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and soy. Vegan diets go even further and cut out calorie-rich foods like cheese. But being vegetarian doesn't automatically mean consuming fewer calories.

Vegetarian protein options include: Beans and lentils – chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans. Soy products – tofu, edamame, tempeh, seitan. Whole grains – quinoa, oatmeal, couscous.

Provides a Healthy Skin

Fruits and veggies are rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Since they are water-based, they can boost the consumption of healthy nutrients if you eat them raw. Due to the rich sources of antioxidants, you can stay disease-free with healthy skin.

Anywhere from three to six weeks, Esselstyn explained. Often, when a patient diligently follows a plant-based diet and then stays on it for up to six weeks, Dr.

Nutritionally, adding meat to your diet isn't harmful unless you have an allergy, which is very rare. Still, some people may have a sensitivity to certain foods or even anxiety related to what they eat, which can cause symptoms like heart palpitations and indigestion.

Vegetarians appear to have lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure and lower rates of hypertension and type 2 diabetes than meat eaters. Vegetarians also tend to have a lower body mass index, lower overall cancer rates and lower risk of chronic disease.

Avoiding consumption of animal-sourced food may also be related to higher rates of depression and anxiety. Hair loss, weak bones, muscle wasting, skin rashes, hypothyroidism, and anemia are other issues that have been observed in those strictly following a vegan diet.

While many believe a vegetarian diet is generally healthier than a non-vegetarian diet, the reverse has been observed when it comes to morbid obesity. The main reason for this is a 'nutrition transition', which involves whole plant foods being replaced by processed and fried foods, as well as refined carbohydrates.

What are the disadvantages of being a vegetarian? ›

Con: You may have possible nutrient deficiencies.

Some essential nutrients, such as vitamins B12 and D, calcium and iron, aren't available in many plant-based foods. Vegetarian diets may provide these nutrients as long as food intake is planned properly, but supplementation is sometimes necessary.

Reduced Inflammation

If you avoid eating meat for a month, you should notice a decrease in your overall inflammatory markers. This happens due to the anti-inflammatory properties of plant-based foods that you consume instead of meat (5). They are rich in fiber and antioxidants and low in toxins and saturated fats.

Dr. Ellis Hunnes says cutting out meat may actually cause acne and other skin problems to worsen at first while your body adjusts to your new way of eating and your hormones begin to self-regulate. The key, she suggests, is to be patient and allow your body a grace period.