Vegetarianism Bad for Teens

Posted by Baylen on Apr. 7, 2009

smiths-meat-is-murder.jpgA new study carried out by a Minnesota college professor of nutrition

…found that while adolescent and young adult vegetarians were less likely than meat eaters to be overweight and more likely to eat a relatively healthful diet, they were also more likely to binge eat. Although most teens in Robinson-O’Brien’s study claimed to embark on vegetarianism to be healthier or to save the environment and the world’s animals, the research suggests they may be more interested in losing weight than protecting cattle or swine.

For one thing, many young “vegetarians” continue to eat the white meat of defenseless chickens (25% in the current study), as well as the flesh of those adorable animals known as fish (46%), even when butchered and served up raw as sushi. And in a 2001 study in the Journal of Adolescent Health, researchers found that the most common reason teens gave for vegetarianism was to lose weight or keep from gaining it. Adolescent vegetarians are far more likely than other teens to diet or to use other extreme and unhealthy measures to control their weight, studies suggest. The reverse is also true: teens with eating disorders are more likely to practice vegetarianism than any other age group.

Whole thing at Time.com.

But parents shouldn’t freak too much. Like the PETA staffer who changed her name from Karin Robertson to GoVeg.com and then back to Karin Robertson, a teenage vegetarian–like surly teenagehood itself–is probably going through a passing fad. (Just ask Padma!)

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  • Alan
    A sloppy piece from a usually keen writer and source. First of all, this story appeared in other outlets more than a week ago. Secondly, I don't really understand your point? That about half of kids who say they're vegetarians really aren't, but are more likely to have an eating disorder anyway? That their parents shouldn't worry because they'll go back to... not saying they're vegetarian when they never were in the first place? Or give up their eating disorders?

    So many contradictions, it's hard to unpack them all.
  • Jessica
    As Kurt Cobain said, ironically, "It's okay to eat fish 'cause they don't have any feelings."

    Also ironically, the fattest person I know is a vegan.
  • Jackson
    @Alan -- Actually, the worst thing about this post is the lack of linkage to any songs fromMeat Is Murder. What gives, Baylen? Are you a child of the 80s or not?
  • salman22
    This is a TEST Comment
    Salman Khan
    Salman Khan
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  • Jami
    This whole article is based on probability and odds. I am 15 and a total vegetarian. I have never eaten a piece of meat on my own accord for 8 years. I'm not overweight, I don't do this because I think I'm fat, I don't eat fish, and I don't eat chicken or any other thing with a face.
    What exactly was the main point of this article? The title has nothing to do with it. Nothing supports the fact that vegetarianism is bad for you. It's saying that teens lie when they tell someone they're vegetarian. Another point the article seems like it's trying to make is teenagers don't want to save the enviornment; they just want to lose weight. What is wrong with that? Unless it's an eating disorder, there is no problem with that. Would you rather them drive to KFC every day and be 400 lbs.?
    What do you mean by "extreme and unhealthy measures"? Vegetarianism and veganism are the two healthiest diets if done correctly. It is not extreme; it is normal and a very good idea if interested in not being overweight, the saving of the enviornment, and/or the well-being of yourself and the animals you share the planet with.
    Why should parents be concerned? If anything, they should be happy they raised a smart kid that made a very good choice.
  • briceachang
    The second cognitive requirement is knowledge. Though there is some effort to retrain professionals in the field, there is no place like the academy to investigate, understand, and experiment with sustainable strategies. Many architecture schools already offer a plethora of green building seminars, workshops, and studios, though thrift savings plan around here there never seems to be enough to meet demand. Many of the tools that promote energy efficient buildings are technologically based, like computer programs and field measurement devices.
  • Following a macrobiotic or vegan diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies in some people. Teens need to be sure their diets include enough nutrients to fuel growth, protein and calcium in particular. If you're interested in following a vegan or macrobiotic diet it would really help to talk to a registered dietitian. He or she can help you design the right meal plans that include adequate vitamins and minerals.
  • Wow! your comment is so factual. It seems that you are expert when it comes to that topic.
  • vegetarianism can give some benefits to your body like giving you a much more beautiful skin, but as what you had mentioned it can cause some deficiencies to your health because your lacking of some nutrients
  • killa muncee
    you vegos can all go to hell. yes, meat IS murder, tasty tasty murder!!!!
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