Vegetarianism could be in the genes.
Vegetarianism is partly down to genetics
A new study suggests that DNA plays a role in whether people are capable of sticking to a vegetarian diet as some appear to need fats that only exist in animal products.
Experts now believe that genetics can make snubbing meat harder or easier for some individuals even though it may feel like a personal lifestyle decision.
Study author Dr. Nabeel Yaseen, Professor Emeritus of Pathology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, said: "It seems there are many people who would like to be vegetarian than actually are, and we think it's because there is something hard-wired here that people may be missing.
"One area in which plant products differ from meat is complex lipids (fats). My speculation is there may be lipid components present in meat that some people need.
"And maybe people whose genetics favour vegetarianism are able to synthesise these components."