Greater weight loss was reported in studies with higher baseline weights , smaller proportions of female participants , older participants , or longer duration s , and in studies in which weight loss was a goal .
The prescription of vegetarian diets  reduces mean body weight , suggesting potential value for prevention and management of weight-related conditions
In observational studies , vegetarians generally have lower body weights compared with omnivores .
However , weight changes that occur when vegetarian diets are prescribed have not been well quantified .
We estimated the effect on body weight when vegetarian diets are prescribed .
Elimination of meat, fish, and derived products from the Spanish-Mediterranean diet: effect on the plasma lipid profile.
UNLABELLED The effect of eliminating all animal ( meat and fish ) products except eggs and milk products from the current Spanish-Mediterranean diet was studied in 14 healthy subjects . This dietary manipulation decreased saturated and monounsaturated fat , protein , and cholesterol intakes . During the 2-month intervention period , a decrease in total plasma cholesterol concentrations ( 4.53 + /- 0.13 vs. 4.29 + /- 0.13 mmol/l , p < 0.05 ) was observed , mostly as a result of decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels ( 1.66 + /- 0.08 vs. 1.47 + /- 0.08 mmol/l , p < 0.05 ) . The decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels ( 2.51 + /- 0.15 vs. 2.43 + /- 0.13 mmol/l ) did not reach statistical significance . Nevertheless , there was a significant association between the decrease in cholesterol intake and the decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels ( r = 0.719 , p < 0.01 ) . The decrease in protein intake was also correlated with the decrease in total cholesterol levels ( r = 0.629 , p < 0.05 ) . Body weight and lean body mass were not modified during the study . Maximal aerobic power and maximal oxygen consumption were not significantly affected by the diet manipulation . IN CONCLUSION a 2-month change from the current Spanish-Mediterranean diet to an ovolactovegetarian diet in young healthy persons decreases total plasma cholesterol levels , but mainly due to a decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels
Greater weight loss was reported in studies with higher baseline weights , smaller proportions of female participants , older participants , or longer duration s , and in studies in which weight loss was a goal .
The prescription of vegetarian diets  reduces mean body weight , suggesting potential value for prevention and management of weight-related conditions
In observational studies , vegetarians generally have lower body weights compared with omnivores .
However , weight changes that occur when vegetarian diets are prescribed have not been well quantified .
We estimated the effect on body weight when vegetarian diets are prescribed .