Rise in vegetarianism not halting obesity
Nearly 2.5 million Australians (12.1 per cent of the population) now have diets of which the food is all, or almost all, vegetarian, up from under 2.2 million (11.2 per cent) four years ago in 2014.
This continues the trend shown in a Roy Morgan release from three years ago – ‘The slow but steady rise of vegetarianism in Australia showing vegetarianism had steadily improved since 2012 when only 9.7 per cent of the population identified as having a vegetarian diet equivalent to 1.7 million Australians at the time.
However, the rising level of vegetarianism in Australia has yet to stop the increasing trend towards obesity. Now 28.5 per cent of Australians have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 30 and are classified as ‘Obese’, up 2.1 percentage points from four years ago.
There are also more ‘Underweight’ Australians than four years ago although the number remains small. Just 2.7 per cent of Australians are now classified as ‘Underweight’ up 0.2 percentage points from four years ago. ‘Underweight’ Australians have a BMI below 18.5.
In contrast to four years ago there are now fewer Australians with a BMI in the ‘Acceptable weight’ range between 18.5 to 25, now 33.9 per cent (down 1.3 percentage points).
The good news on the BMI front is that there are now fewer Australians classified as ‘Overweight’ with a BMI between 25 to 30. Now 32.2 per cent (down 0.6 percentage points) are classified as ‘Overweight’.
Why do you think vegetarianism is gaining in popularity?
This is only my personal opinion. I don't think it's wise to go full on wth a vegan diet. We have reduced our intake of meat and added more veggies and legumes, but the protein derived from meat is necessary for good health.
I also think the price and quality of meat has a lot to do with people abstaining.