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E u r o p e a n C o n g r e s s o n
Obesity and
Eating Disorder
Obesity 2018
Journal of Obesity & Eating Disorders
ISSN 2471-8203
A p r i l 1 2 - 1 3 , 2 0 1 8
Am s t e r d a m , N e t h e r l a n d s
Page 54
Pediatric Vegetarian Diets:
Well-planned vegetarian diets are
appropriate for individuals during all stages of the lifecycle,
including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and
adolescence.
Vegetarian Diets in Perspective:
According to a nationwide
polling in 2016, approximantely 3.3% of American adults
are vegetarians or vegan and about 46% of vegetarians are
vegan. Plant- based diets are becoming well accepted. The
American Institute for Cancer Research encourages a plant-
based diet. The 2015–2020 dietary guidelines for Americans
recommend a veretain approach for theNational School Lunch
Program. A vegetarian is a person who consumes all plant
foods, does not eat animal foods, including fowl or seafood,
or products containing animal foods. The eating patterns
of vegetarians may vary considerably. There are basically
three types of vegetarian diets. 1. The lacto-ovo- vegetarian
eating pattern, the most common type is based on grains,
vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, dairy products, and
eggs. 2. Lacto-vegetarian diet includes milk with plant foods
but excludes any other food from animals, such as eggs. 3.
Total vegetarian or plant based diet is made of grains, fruits,
vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, excludes the use of all
animal products. Vegan means no animal products excluding
the wearing of leather products.
Pediatric vegetarian diets are healthful,
nutritionally adequate and may provide health
benefits in the prevention of obesity
Joycelyn M Peterson
Oakwood University, USA
J Obes Eat Disord 2018, Volume: 4
DOI: 10.21767/2471-8203-C1-009
Pediatric Vegetarian Diets:
There are many reasons for the
rising interest in vegetarian diets. Health, economic, ecological,
ethical or religious reasons are at the top five. Scientific
research continues to document the health advantages of the
vegetarian diet with lower risk of heart related diseases, obesity,
and cancer. Many are starting their children on a vegetarian
lifestyle for the major reason to maintain good health and to
prevent diet related diseases. The number of vegetarians in
the United States and Canada is expected to increase during
the next decade. Food and nutrition professionals can assist
vegetarian clients by providing current, accurate information to
parents about vegetarian nutrition, diet and resources.
jpeterson@oakwood.edu