Vegetarianism In Teens Can Be A Sign Of Unhealthy Eating

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

The researchers found that among more than 2,500 young people aged 15 to 23 in the study, vegetarians ate more fruits and vegetables and less fat, and were more likely to have Overweight was less than in those who consumed meat.

On the other hand, vegetarians were more likely to report overeating problems than non-vegetarians. Besides, the former vegetarians were more likely to admit that they were taking extreme measures to control their weight - such as by diet pills, causing vomiting or abusing laxatives.

The results show that while a vegetarian diet may be healthy, some teens may mask their desire to be thin, says researcher Dr. Ramona Robinson of St. Benedict College in Minnesota.

Parents should talk to their child about the motivation for embarking on a vegetarian diet. If the main reason for this is weight loss, she notes, parents will have to "dig" deeper.

"If parents think their child is particularly sensitive about their appearance, and is under pressure to follow the cultural ideal, it is quite possible that he or she is dissatisfied with their body," Ms Robinson said.

She adds that teenagers who have shown interest in various methods for weight loss, can refer to vegetarianism as a "socially acceptable" way to avoid certain foods, or possibly to hide unhealthy eating habits.

The study, which appears in the current issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, is based on data from a study of 2,516 teenagers. About 85% have never been vegetarian, 4% are now vegetarians and 11% have been in the past.

Researchers have found that, on average, vegetarians eat fruits and vegetables 5 times a day and get less than 30% of their calories from fat. In contrast, throughout their lives, people who eat meat consume on average less than four servings of fruits and vegetables a day and more than 30% of their calories are from fat.

Although most vegetarians use healthy methods to monitor their weight, they are more likely to have problems with nutrition and weight control than those who eat meat.

About 18% of vegetarians currently say they have problems with uncontrolled overeating, compared to 5% of their peers who have never been vegetarians. Similarly, 27% of former vegetarians admit to extreme weight control tactics, compared to 15% of those who eat meat.

Robinson notes that parents should be aware that teenagers are at risk of nutritional deficiencyif their vegetarian diet is not well planned. She suggests that parents consult a doctor or dietitian to teach their children proper nutrition.