Hi Demi. The reason why one loses weight on low carb diet is because it makes the pancreas release glucagon instead of insulin. Many with mercury poisioning have hyperinsulemia - which is very damaging to the body. Many with mercury poisioning also have FMS and hypoglycemia - so they need to eat like a diabetic. I know a lot of vegetarians that are fat. My mother is a 7th day Adventist - and a lot of people in her church are really FAT and most SDA's are vegetarians. Their after church potlucks are strictly vegetarian. Many are even vegan. They're probably eating too much sugary stuff. I just know that I can't lose weight unless I cut out most carbs. The only carbs I can use are the ones highest in fiber like berries, and lettuce, cabbage, etc.