Vegetarians tend to weigh 3 to 20 percent less than meat-eaters, according to a review which compiled data from 87 previous studies. They also have much lower rates of heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. Zero to six percent of vegetarians are obese, compared to 30 percent of the general population. This lower weight is independent of exercise, portion size or carbohydrate intake.

This is not much of a surprise, since vegetarians are following a specific diet and they more likely to be health conscious than those who may not be following any specific diet. But it is still good to know that vegetarianism, which is far healthier and more sustainable than most alternatives, pays off.