07/01/2026

Relative Weight, Weight Loss Efforts and Nutrient Intakes among Health-Conscious Vegetarian, Past Vegetarian and Nonvegetarian Women Ages 18 to 50

Authors: Susan I Barr, PhD and Terri M Broughton, BScD

Journal/publication: Journal of the American College of Nutrition 19(6):2000
Abstract

Objective: To compare relative weight, weight loss efforts and nutrient intakes among similarly health-conscious vegetarian, past vegetarian and nonvegetarian premenopausal women.
Methods: Demographic data, lifestyle practices and weight loss efforts (by questionnaire), body mass index (BMI;kg/m2) and dietary intake (via multiple-pass 24-hour diet recall) were compared in a convenience sample of 90 current vegetarians, 35 past vegetarians and 68 nonvegetarians.
Results: Age (31.9 ± 8.8), educational attainment, smoking status, alcohol use, physical activity and perceived health status were similar among the three groups of women. BMI did not differ by dietary pattern and averaged 23.7 ± 4.7 for all women combined. Participants had intentionally lost >/=10 pounds a mean of 2.1 times, and 39% of women perceived themselves to be overweight; again, no differences were observed among dietary groups. Dietary intakes of vegetarians and current nonvegetarians were consistent with current recommendations for macronutrient composition (<30% fat, <10% saturates). Compared to current nonvegetarians, current vegetarians had lower intakes of protein, saturated fat, cholesterol, niacin, vitamins B12 and D, and higher fiber and magnesium intakes. Vegetarians’ mean vitamin B12 and D intakes were well below recommendations.
Conclusions: Relative weight and weight loss efforts do not differ by dietary pattern among similarly health-conscious vegetarian and nonvegetarian women. The only differences in nutrient intake with potential health implications were vitamins D and B12.

Interpretation/relevance to beef industry:

Comment ­from BIC registered dietitians

  • Adopting a vegetarian diet does not necessarily mean a decrease in weight and/or fat intake
  • Careful planning is required to ensure that a vegetarian diet provides all the nutrients for good health
  • Beef is a nutrient dense food providing 12 essential nutrients including B vitamins and highly available iron and zinc.


This study received funding from the Beef Industry Development Fund, nutrition research initiative, a federal/provincial initiative.

Links:

For more information on the nutrients in beef see -
Nutrient Data