The Summary
Researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 26 cross-sectional studies involving over 23,000 adults to explore the link between plant-based diets and orthorexia nervosa. The analysis revealed that individuals following vegetarian or vegan diets had moderately higher orthorexia symptoms compared to omnivores, making them approximately twice as likely to report these symptoms. There was no difference between vegetarians and vegans. However, researchers caution that the studies were observational and highly heterogeneous, meaning they cannot prove that plant-based diets cause orthorexia.
Why this is interesting
Orthorexia is a condition where the desire to eat clean becomes a harmful obsession. While plant-based diets are praised for physical health benefits, this study highlights a potential psychological risk. It suggests the strict rules of veganism and vegetarianism might attract or trigger unhealthy fixations on food purity. For readers, this is a gentle reminder that true wellness includes mental well-being. If a healthy diet causes anxiety, social isolation, or severe stress when rules are broken, it might be time to evaluate your relationship with food.