What a vegetarian diet does to your weight and figure depends on several key factors.
Various factors
Swapping meat for healthier options can help you shed a few pounds—or avoid gaining them. A large-scale study from Imperial College London showed that people consuming 250 grams of red meat, poultry, or processed meat daily gained more weight over five years than those eating less meat, even with similar daily calorie intake. Cutting out meat a few days a week can support weight maintenance, per the research.
But note: New vegans sometimes gain weight. This often happens when they increase intake of refined carbs like white pasta, bread, and potatoes. A sudden carb surge can lead to quick weight gain.
No, vegetarian food doesn't automatically cause weight loss.
Has your weight changed since going vegetarian?
