Is Vegetarianism a Solution for Obesity and NCDs? A Review ()
ABSTRACT
Purpose of Review: Obesity is defined as an abnormal fat
accumulation associated with disease development risk. The prevalence of
obesity and non-communicable
diseases (NCDs) continues to increase at a concerning pace. The modern
lifestyle requires people to rely on processed foods because of their
efficiency and low-cost, which are associated with obesity and NCDs. Vegetarian
diet refers to the exclusion of meat, fish, seafood and can also exclude animal
products such as dairy and eggs. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to
explore vegetarianism as a potential solution for obesity and the development
of non-communicable diseases. Recent Findings: Meat intake is also related to unhealthy food groups consumption,
contributing to overall poor diet quality. In contrast, vegetarian diets are
associated with higher satiety, resulting in less food intake, favoring weight
reduction. Lowering the prevalence of NCDs should be a priority, and
nutritional interventions are pivotal to
accomplish this goal. Summary: Vegetarian diets are associated with weight loss due to: fiber content,
lower caloric density, microbiota regulation, and the release of
gastrointestinal appetite-regulating hormones. Plant-based eating patterns have
demonstrated an overall healthier diet and can be a potential solution for
obesity and NCDs’ development.
Share and Cite:
Zelaya, A. and Sinibaldi, E. (2021) Is Vegetarianism a Solution for Obesity and NCDs? A Review.
Food and Nutrition Sciences,
12, 249-261. doi:
10.4236/fns.2021.123020.
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