No, vegans are not extraterrestrials from a planet orbiting Vega, although many might consider their dietary habits to be completely alien. Plant-only eaters represent a mere 2 percent of the population; another 5 percent describe themselves as vegetarian.

In contrast, Americans are noted for their penchant for overconsumption of such animal-based foods as meat, eggs and dairy along with high sugar intake. More than two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese, more than a third having diabetes or metabolic syndrome. A poor diet is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, which carries with it a number of serious and life-threatening complications. Family history, low activity and excess body weight also increase a person's chance of getting the disease.

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