People who follow a vegetarian diet have a higher risk of hip fracture.
- Vegetarians have a higher risk of hip fracture compared to regular meat eaters.
- The difference in risk observed between vegetarians and regular meat eaters is partly explained by body mass index (BMI).
- The vegetarian diet is not in itself unhealthy.
According to a new prospective study published in the journal BMC Medicine, vegetarians have a higher risk of hip fracture compared to regular meat eaters.
A 50% higher risk of hip fracture
The results of this study were obtained from an in-depth review of the “UK Biobank” cohort, consisting of 413,914 participants. The researchers classified the participants into four categories: vegetarians, pescatarians, occasional meat eaters and regular meat eaters. They then measured the risk of hip fracture in each group.
Scientists then found that vegetarian men and women had a 50% higher risk of hip fracture than people who regularly ate meat.
Focus on vegetarian men
The University of Leeds researchers also found that the observed difference in risk between vegetarians and regular meat eaters was partly explained by body mass index (BMI). Indeed, vegetarians had a lower BMI than meat eaters, which may contribute to an increased risk of hip fractures.
This study supports the results of previous research that had already reported an increased risk of hip fracture in women who did not eat meat or fish. The novelty lies in the fact that this study also looked at vegetarian men.
It is important to note that this study has some limitations. First of all, it is based on data observed within the “UK Biobank” cohort, which limits its generalization to other populations. In addition, it is possible that other factors, such as level of physical activity, influence the risk of hip fracture, but these variables were not taken into account in this study.
The vegetarian diet is not bad in itself
The results of this study highlight the importance of a balanced diet and proper weight management among vegetarians in preventing hip fractures. It is essential that vegetarians make sure they get all the necessary nutrients through their diet, including getting enough protein and minerals that contribute to bone health.
It is important to note here that this does not mean that the vegetarian diet is in itself unhealthy. On the contrary, a balanced vegetarian diet can bring many benefits to the body.
