Study: Vegetarians Less Healthy, Lower Quality Of Life Than Meat-Eaters

[WestVirginiaRebel]

CBS Local:

Vegetarians may have a lower BMI and drink alcohol sparingly, but vegetarian diets are tied to generally poorer health, poorer quality of life and a higher need for health care than their meat-eating counterparts.

 

A new study from the Medical University of Graz in Austria finds that vegetarians are more physically active, drink less alcohol and smoke less tobacco than those who consume meat in their diets. Vegetarians also have a higher socioeconomic status and a lower body mass index. But the vegetarian diet — characterized by a low consumption of saturated fats and cholesterol that includes increased intake of fruits, vegetables and whole-grain products — carries elevated risks of cancer, allergies and mental health disorders.

 

Vegetarians were twice as likely to have allergies, a 50 percent increase in heart attacks and a 50 percent increase in incidences of cancer.

 

The cross-sectional study from Austrian Health Interview Survey data and published in PLos One examined participants dietary habits, demographic characteristics and general lifestyle differences.

 

The most significant dietary habit difference between meat-eaters and vegetarians concerned their BMI and alcohol consumption – with both being higher for those who consume meat.

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Got Meat?

[Chickadee]

This was really a weird study and a weird result, @WestVirginiaRebel. It is in contradiction to many, many other studies done of the healthiest and longest-lived people done on people around the world (not just in Austria). Many of these long lived people were vegetarians.

 

Even the article itself, which you posted, says, “Our study has shown that Austrian adults who consume a vegetarian diet are less healthy (in terms of cancer, allergies, and mental health disorders), have a lower quality of life, and also require more medical treatment.”

 

“Therefore, a continued strong public health program for Austria is required in order to reduce the health risk due to nutritional factors.”

 

I find other articles (e.g. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kristin-kirkpatrick-ms-rd-ld/vegetarian-diet-mistakes_b_3226388.html) to bring a more balanced aspect to the discussion.

 

So I basically reject this thesis and will not be concerned that I, as a lacto-ovo vegetarian, am or will be unhealthy or have a poor quality of life.

[Valin]

Vegetarians Less Healthy, Lower Quality Of Life Than Meat-Eaters

 

But they feel sooooo much better about themselves.

 

 

 

And Vegans are the worst

 

 

So You're a Vegan...Isn't That Special!