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Due to both global and health-related benefits, many teens and young adults have considered switching to a vegetarian lifestyle. However, without proper research and guidance, avoidance of any food group can lead to various health problems that outweigh any of the diet’s benefits.
Vegetarians face nutritional challenges that do not concern non-vegetarians. Such challenges range from lack of protein and certain vitamins and minerals to over-consumption of processed foods, unhealthy sugars and carbohydrates. Alli Reich, a sophomore at American Heritage, has faced such challenges when transitioning to a pesco-vegetarian three years ago.
As a vegetarian who eats seafood and fish but excludes mammals and birds, Alli’s doctor soon discovered a lack of B vitamins and iron in Alli’s diet. This common but crucial mistake was caught early, and now, after conducting more research on her new lifestyle, Alli takes vitamins and eats food higher in iron and protein. Alli recommends consulting your physician before starting a new diet.
Young adults transitioning to a vegetarian lifestyle are also at risk of developing an eating disorder, according to a new study completed this past year. Researchers at the University of Minnesota, the College of St. Benedict, St. John’s University, and University of Texas conducted surveys to learn about the weights, diets, and eating habits of 2,516 Minnesotans, ages 15 to 23. The study discovered that 25 percent of current and former adolescent vegetarians admitted to engaging in one or more extreme weight control behaviors during the study, including taking diet pills, intentionally vomiting, and abusing laxatives. Another troubling aspect states that adolescents’ most common reason for beginning a vegetarian diet was to lose weight, not to reap health benefits.
With such various and serious consequences, teens and adults considering a vegetarian lifestyle must acknowledge and learn the requirements of their new lifestyle.
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