For the First Time, USDA Report Acknowledges the Benefits of Vegetarianism

In the latest report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, a division of the USDA, a vegetarian diet is clearly established as an effective means to help prevent obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The report also concludes, “Vegetarian diets that include complementary mixtures of plant proteins can provide the same quality of protein as that from animal protein”.¹ This is the first time in history that the federal government has officially acknowledged that a vegetarian diet can improve health.

In regard to preventing obesity, the report states, “On average, vegetarians consume fewer calories from fat than non-vegetarians, particularly saturated fat, and have a higher consumption of carbohydrates than non-vegetarians. In addition, vegetarians tend to consume fewer overall calories and have a lower body mass index than non-vegetarians. These characteristics, in addition to the dietary pattern per se, may contribute to the improved health outcomes of vegetarians”.¹

The report also references a Swedish study that examined 5-year changes in weight based on eating patterns. This study showed that the smallest weight gain occurred in participants who had converted to a vegetarian or vegan diet over the 5 year period. The largest weight gain was seen in those who remained meat-eaters throughout the study as well as those who reverted from a plant-based diet to a meat-eating diet.¹

Numerous studies are cited throughout the document which illustrate that vegetarian diets are associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and hypertension and improved levels of cholesterol.¹ The USDA’s acknowledgment of the benefits of a vegetarian diet comes at a critical time in America, where childhood obesity has tripled in the past 5 years.¹

Susan Levin, M.S., R.D., director of nutrition education for Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) states, “America now spends more than $100 billion a year on obesity-related health care costs, and it’s clear that meatless meals can help us stay trimmer and healthier and cut our medical bills”.² In light of the latest Dietary Guidelines Report, public acknowledgement of the benefits of vegetarian diets will undoubtedly continue to increase – a step in the right direction for America’s obesity epidemic.

While the USDA is just beginning to endorse the benefits of a plant-based diet, PCRM has been emphasizing these benefits for years. The interactive “Power Plate” model on their website is a great resource for developing a balanced plant-based diet.