Hong Kong Lifestyle Study: Effects of a Vegetarian Diet on Disease Outcome and Medical Visits
Abstract
This study investigated 1,287 individuals residing in Hong Kong via a questionnaire that assessed diet levels of meat consumption and the outcomes of lifestyle-related diseases and healthcare utilization. Based on the findings of the questionnaire, 26% of the participants presented some lifestyle-related disease. Diets with high meat intake increased the odds of presence of disease, but the results were not statistically significant. Older ages and higher BMI increased the odds of disease. In addition, diets with high meat intake increased the number of visits to a general practitioner. Males were less likely to visit; and low exercise increased the number of visits. Presence of disease increased the number of visits to the general practitioner and the specialist by 1.25 and 2.09 times, respectively. Older age increased the number of visits to the specialist.