DIFFERENCES IN BODY MASS INDEX AND SERUM LIPID PROFILE AMONG VEGETARIANS & NON VEGETARIANS

Abstract

AIM: To study the body mass index (BMI) and serum lipid profile in vegetarians compared to non-vegetarians. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross sectional study designed to study the correlation of BMI and serum lipid profile among vegetarians and non-vegetarians (n=25 in each group) aged between 18-40 years. BMI was measured and fasting blood sample was drawn for analysis of lipids. Information was obtained on personal and family health history, health-related habits including leisure-time physical activity and dietary intake. RESULTS: Vegetarians have a lower mean BMI and lower dietary intakes of protein, saturated fat and cholesterol compared to non-vegetarians. Vegetarians have significantly lower concentrations of serum total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TG), TC/high density lipoprotein (HDL) and LDL/HDL than the non-vegetarians.