Americans are consumed daily with ads for pills, shakes, and other fad diets that promise miracle weight loss and improved health. The multi-million dollar weight loss industry thrives due to the increasing number of overweight Americans. Government statics show 66.3 percent of adults in the United States are either obese or overweight.
The United States Food and Drug Administration believes a plant based diet, also known as vegetarianism or veganism, could be the key to unlocking the obesity epidemic.
Lacto-ovo-vegetarians eat no meat but consume dairy foods and eggs. Lacto-vegetarians eat no meat and no eggs however still consume dairy foods. Vegan refers to no consumption of animal foods of any type.
Government studies show that these plant-based diets lessen the risk of obesity, numerous types of cancer, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis along with other diseases. Statistics show the average vegan or vegetarian has a significantly lower BMI and lives longer than those who consume animal flesh.
Mount Pleasant local Angie Pohlman, 28, lost 60 pounds in the first year practicing a vegan lifestyle.
“I was hypoglycemic, and the last time I had my blood sugar checked it was almost normal,” Pohlman said. “Since I became a vegan, I felt a general improvement in my health. My acne cleared up as well.”
When switching to a plant-based diet, it is important to monitor your vitamin intake and to replace animal sources of nutrients. Many vegans and vegetarians require supplements in order to achieve optimal health. According to the FDA, the areas most commonly supplemented by those who eat a plant-based diet include vitamins B12 and D as well as calcium, iron and zinc.
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