Young Vegetarians May Be At Risk Of Binge Eating

A survey of young adults in Minnesota found that current vegetarians may be more likely to “binge eat,” and former vegetarians may engage in “extreme unhealthful weight control behaviors.” Although a vegetarian diet is perceived by many to be healthy, it is also likely that weight loss is a significant motivation for this age group.

The diets of 2,516 teens and young adults, aged 15 to 23, were examined for this research. According to the study findings, young vegetarians within this age group report more binge eating than meat eaters. Specifically, 20-25% of current and former vegetarians relayed evidence of unhealthy weight control behaviors, including diet pills, vomiting, laxatives, etc.

The majority of vegetarians studied were female. Although participants viewed vegetarianism as a healthy dietary option, researchers speculate that weight loss may also be a motivator for vegetarianism.