An increasing trend of individuals practicing vegetarianism has been observed in the world. Little is known about obesity and its associated factors among vegetarians in Malaysia. Hence, this cross-sectional study aimed to compare the associations between behavioral factors (physical activity level, dietary intake, smoking behavior and body image perception) and body weight status between Chinese vegetarians and non-vegetarians. A total of 271 vegetarians (56.8% females and 43.2% males) with a mean age of 38.4 years (SD=11.4) and 278 non-vegetarians (62.2% females and 37.8% males) with a mean age of 34.1 years (SD=13.4) from a Buddhist society in Malaysia participated in this study. Respondents completed a self-administered questionnaire on socio-demographic background, physical activity level, smoking behavior and body image perception. Their height, weight, body fat percentage and waist circumference were measured and dietary intake was assessed using a 2-day 24-hour dietary recall. Results showed that vegetarians were older and had higher educational level than non-vegetarians. More vegetarians were underweight, non-smokers, had high body fat percentage, low percentage of abdominal obesity, high physical activity level, and desired to have a bigger body size as compared to non-vegetarians. In terms of nutrient intake, vegetarians showed significantly lower intakes of energy, protein, fat, vitamin B12 and sodium but higher intakes of folate and calcium as compared to non-vegetarians. Vegetarians who were older (OR=1.036, p=0.027), had low energy intake (OR=0.997, p=0.004), high carbohydrate intake (OR=1.017, p=0.005), and high body dissatisfaction (OR=1.689, p<0.001) were more likely to be overweight/obese. For non-vegetarians, those who were older (OR=1.049, p<0.001) and had high body dissatisfaction (OR=1.805, p<0.001) were more likely to be overweight/obese. Age and body dissatisfaction predicted the problem of overweight and obesity in both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Nutrition intervention programs on weight management among vegetarians and non-vegetarians should include body image component.