Can A Vegan Diet Help You Loose Weight ?

Veganism has become a recent trend on social media, with health-conscious people, dietitians as well as animal rights activists promoting veganism as not only will it help you reduce the number of animal-produced p products but also there are many other studies that show Veganism may be a great way to lose weight as well!

Research has shown that people who follow a vegan diet tend to have a lower body mass index (BMI). This could be attributed to several factors, including the potential weight loss benefits of a vegan diet and the likelihood of adopting other health-conscious behaviours. A vegan diet consists of plant-based food products and people who are vegans do not use any animal-based products like dairy, meat, poultry etc.

Weight loss and vegan diet

While some studies have directly examined the effects of a vegan diet on weight loss, the evidence is mixed. A 2016 study found that people on a vegan diet lost more weight than those on other diets, while a 2016 review concluded that plant-based diets were more effective for weight loss than omnivorous diets.

Some reasons why it is easier for vegans to lose weight might be because their plant-based diet is usually very fibrous and light which is what you need for a healthy weight-loss diet. Plant-based diets are also easier to digest and contain less calories. Although there are many benefits of meat-based diets like a lot of protein and healthy fats, many other factors that make it difficult to lose weight in this diet like cholesterol.

As such there are many benefits of a vegan diet like lower cholesterol, reduced risk of cancer, and improved metabolism.

Challenges of a Vegan Diet

One of the main challenges with any diet is long-term adherence. However, studies suggest that people are no more likely to quit a vegan diet than other diets. It may be difficult for people who have grown up with non-vegetarian diets to stick to a vegan diet or even vegetarian people who enjoy milk products such as paneer, and kheer. But once you make up your mind it is much easier to do so.

Vegan diets often do not have certain nutrients, such as vitamin B-12, iron, vitamin C, calcium, vitamin D, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. It's important to be mindful of these deficiencies and consume adequate amounts of fortified foods or supplements. Many people have been prescribed vitamin supplements that are given to them by their doctors.

Another important aspect is your health, which should be your top priority when you are starting a vegan diet. Consult your doctor or your healthcare professional as there are many reasons why a vegan diet may not be healthy for you. Some people who are born with certain deficiencies cannot go on a diet solely based on plants. The same goes for people who may have eating disorders, their therapists or psychologist may ask them to not go on a vegan diet as it may push them back from their progress.

There is also a lot of talk about organic and processed vegan foods. Organic vegan foods are often more expensive and not pocket-friendly, so people go for processed foods which are high in calories and unhealthy fats.

While vegan diets can be an effective tool for weight loss and improved health, it's important to approach them with a balanced perspective. By being mindful of nutritional needs, avoiding excessively processed foods, and incorporating regular physical activity, individuals can successfully adopt a vegan lifestyle and achieve their weight loss goals