nope. I've been a vegetarian for years, and I weigh more now than when I started. Weight loss is a pretty basic calculation: calories in – calories used. If it's a positive number, you'll gain, if it's a negative, you'll lose. If you pig out on tasty vegetarian food, you will get fatter!

It's pretty funny. When I went vegetarian, I instantly shed a pound, but I gained it back by eating vegetarian junk food! I have a lot of friends who have lost a ton of weight by going vegetarian.

I've lost 10lbs since 12/25/07 when I stopped eating meat an animal products. I feel great.

I lost some weight when I first went vegetarian–you eat less food until you can figure out all the yummy things a vegetarian or vegan can have–and then I gained a bit back. Still, I think I have a net weight loss since going veg.

I also drink a lot less soda–not necessarily related to veganism–so that may help as well. As the book "Skinny B!tch" proclaims, soda is liquid satan. And diet soda is evil, too.

No you don't, it isn't a weight loss regime. I lost no eight when I went vegetarian, and none when I went vegan

vegetarianism is not a free calorie ride. calories still count.

try vegan.. i lost 8 pounds in less thatn a week

All depends on what their lifestyle is and how they eat.
Assuming it's a complete nutritious healthy diet etc…. they will lose lose fat if they were formerly on a really unhealthy diet etc.

If you are highly athletic and doing a high calibre sport like distance running or bicycle racing, you will not lose weight (fat) or gain. Perhaps temporarily until you discover some new foods, recipes, etc.

It really has to do with how much is eaten compared to how much goes out in energy… in-out + exercise.

Weight loss is a function of burning more calories than you consume. If your caloric intake stays the same when you go vegetarian, your weight will stay the same.

Statistically, vegetarians are less likely to be obese and more likely to have a BMI in the healthy range, but statistics measuring a group don't say anything about a particular individual. I gained weight within the first couple years as a vegetarian, but was underweight to begin with so it was really just my body maturing to a healthy weight. My weight didn't change at all when I went vegan.

you can go EITHER way when becoming a vegetarian, depending on what you eat of course. Some people cut out meat but then replace it with junk… as well as cheese, etc… they'll eat a greasy slice of cheese pizza or a cheezy cheese enchilada covered in cheese and they dont exercise… but then there are the vegetarians who eat low fat, soymilk, fruits, veggies, nuts, and of course tofu (without frying it up) and they do exercise… those are the ones who wont gain weight…

Hey!

Being a vegetarian *can* be a great way to lose weight and increase your health, but you have to do it right. A lot of people hurt their health by becoming vegetarian, so please read up on it and be careful. Also, watch out for your friends, because becoming vegetarian or vegan can often be a mask/excuse for anorexia. "Oh, i'm a vegan, i can only eat carrots and lettuce," is not healthy but a convenient excuse for many young people.

Anyhow, if you are becoming a vegetarian- good for you! i've been veg for 14 years now and feel great! You need to make sure that every meal you eat includes a complex carb, fresh veggies and a lean protein. There are tons of great ways to get protein, including beans, tofu, tempeh, edamame, soy meat substitutes, eggs, and low fat dairy. This video on our site about veggie proteins rocks: http://capessa.com/members/storyactions.aspx?g=126786&m=79617

If you eat meals like this, you will certainly lose weight. You will also feel great, lower your cholesterol, improve your skin and just be healthier overall.

A common mistake vegetarians make is to just eat simple carbs and cheese. PLEASE don't do this! Grilled cheese, pasta, cheese sandwiches, etc. is not a healthy diet!! You will gain weight and feel horrible if you eat this way, so please get a few cookbooks and read on how to make complete vegetarian meals.

Good luck to you! ~Lauren