Dietary Reversal: Understanding What Percentage of Vegetarians Go Back to Meat

According to a 2014 study by the Humane Research Council (now Faunalytics), approximately 84% of vegetarians and vegans eventually revert to eating meat. This statistic reveals a significant trend of dietary change and begs the question, "What percentage of vegetarians go back to meat?" and why, despite initial motivations, do so many struggle with long-term adherence to a meat-free lifestyle?

Quick Summary

A significant majority of former vegetarians and vegans eventually return to meat-eating due to factors like nutritional challenges, social pressures, inconvenience, and taste cravings. Health concerns are a primary driver for both adopting and abandoning the diet, often involving perceived nutrient deficiencies. Gradual transitions and strong support networks can improve long-term success.

Key Points

• High Reversion Rate: A 2014 study found that approximately 84% of vegetarians and vegans eventually go back to eating meat.

• Health Concerns Are a Major Factor: Perceived nutritional deficiencies, including a lack of vitamin B12 and iron, are a common reason for returning to a meat-eating diet.

• Social Pressure Plays a Role: Many former vegetarians report feelings of isolation or difficulty navigating social situations and family gatherings.

• Gradual Transitions are More Successful: Individuals who make a quick, "cold turkey" switch are more likely to revert than those who transition slowly.

• Support and Flexibility are Key to Adherence: A strong support network, combined with a flexible mindset that avoids an all-or-nothing approach, improves long-term success.

• Motivations Matter: Those who remain vegetarian often have multiple, deep-seated motivations (ethics, environment, health), while many who revert initially focused primarily on health.

The Surprising Statistics on Vegetarian Reversion

For many, adopting a vegetarian or vegan diet is a choice rooted in ethics, health, and environmental concerns. The decision often stems from a deeply held belief system that informs their daily food choices. However, for a surprisingly large number of people, this change is not permanent. Research conducted by Faunalytics (formerly the Humane Research Council) revealed that a staggering 84% of those who transition to a plant-based diet later return to consuming meat. The reasons behind this significant dietary shift are complex and multifaceted, ranging from nutritional shortcomings to powerful social and emotional factors.

Why the Reversal? Key Factors in Quitting Vegetarianism

While the reasons for leaving a meat-free diet are individual, several common themes emerge from research and anecdotal evidence.

• Nutritional Deficiencies: A plant-based diet requires careful planning to ensure all necessary nutrients are obtained. Many former vegetarians cite health problems and nutrient deficiencies—such as a lack of vitamin B12, iron, and protein—as a primary reason for their return to meat. This is especially true for those who make an abrupt transition without proper nutritional guidance. Without a balanced approach, fatigue, weakness, and other health issues can arise, making meat a seemingly quick fix.
• Social Challenges: Navigating social situations can be a significant barrier to maintaining a vegetarian diet. From feeling like the odd one out at family gatherings to difficulty finding suitable options when dining out with friends, social pressure can wear down even the most committed individual. A 2016 Faunalytics study found that 63% of former vegetarians disliked feeling like they stood out from the crowd.
• Convenience and Cost: The perceived inconvenience and cost of a vegetarian diet are common reasons for reverting. For individuals with busy lifestyles, finding or preparing plant-based meals can seem more time-consuming than grabbing a conventional meal. While basic plant-based foods like lentils and beans are inexpensive, a diet relying heavily on specialty mock meats or dining out can quickly become expensive.
• Taste and Cravings: For many, the powerful memory and flavor of certain meat dishes are hard to forget. Intense cravings for meat, often triggered by smell or sight, can be difficult to resist over the long term. This is often an emotional or psychological battle rather than a simple matter of taste.
• "All-or-Nothing" Mindset: For those who adopt vegetarianism with a rigid, perfectionist mindset, a single slip-up can feel like a complete failure. Rather than viewing it as a minor setback, they might abandon the diet entirely. This approach is often less sustainable than a more flexible, long-term strategy.

Comparing Long-Term Adherence vs. Reversion

To better understand why some people stick with vegetarianism while others revert, it's helpful to compare the factors influencing both outcomes.

Factor	Long-Term Adherence	Reversion to Meat
Motivation	Often multi-faceted (ethics, environment, health). Strong, internal drive.	Often single-factor, primarily health-related. External or temporary motivations.
Transition Speed	Gradual, giving the body and mind time to adapt.	Abrupt, or "cold turkey," leading to feeling overwhelmed.
Nutritional Knowledge	Good understanding of a balanced vegetarian diet, likely with professional guidance.	Lacking knowledge of how to replace key nutrients, leading to deficiencies.
Social Support	Strong support from friends, family, or community.	Feelings of social isolation and pressure to conform.
Mindset	Flexible, with a focus on progress over perfection.	Rigid, with a sense of failure after any deviation.

Strategies for Sustaining a Vegetarian Diet

For those committed to a meat-free diet, understanding the common pitfalls can help improve the chances of success. Here are some strategies for long-term adherence:

1. Prioritize Nutritional Planning: Educate yourself on plant-based nutrition, focusing on reliable sources of vitamin B12, iron, calcium, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. B12 supplements are often essential, while fortified foods and diverse plant sources can cover other needs.
2. Make a Gradual Transition: Instead of a sudden switch, ease into vegetarianism slowly. Start with meatless Mondays or incorporate more plant-based meals throughout the week to help your body and palate adjust.
3. Find a Community: Seek out a supportive community, whether online or in person. Connecting with like-minded individuals can provide encouragement, recipe ideas, and reduce feelings of social isolation.
4. Practice Flexibility and Self-Compassion: Adopt a mindset that prioritizes long-term progress over rigid perfection. If you make a mistake, don't view it as a failure. Acknowledging that ethical eating exists on a spectrum is more sustainable.
5. Focus on Abundance, Not Restriction: Instead of dwelling on what you can't eat, explore the vast variety of delicious and fulfilling plant-based foods available. Focus on new recipes and culinary creativity to keep meals exciting.

Conclusion: The Bigger Picture of Dietary Change

The high rate of reversion among former vegetarians is a complex issue influenced by a combination of nutritional, social, and psychological factors. The data from studies like the one by Faunalytics provide a powerful insight into the challenges of dietary change. Rather than viewing this as a failure of vegetarianism itself, it highlights the need for better educational resources, stronger social support systems, and a more compassionate approach to dietary choices. For those considering a plant-based diet, understanding these obstacles and preparing for them is key to making a sustainable change. Ultimately, whether a person remains vegetarian or reintroduces meat, the journey toward more mindful and informed eating is a valuable one, contributing to a broader societal conversation about diet and health. Learn more about vegetarian diet challenges from the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary reason vegetarians revert to eating meat?

A leading reason for reverting to meat is health concerns, often related to perceived nutritional deficiencies like protein, iron, or vitamin B12. Social challenges and cravings also play a significant role.

Can people's bodies lose the ability to digest meat after years of vegetarianism?

The human body does not lose its ability to digest meat. However, it may take some time for the digestive system to re-adapt, and some people may experience mild bloating or discomfort initially.

How long does the average person stay vegetarian before reverting?

Based on research, more than half of former vegetarians and vegans give up their diet within the first year, and one-third do so within just three months.

Are there personality traits that make someone more likely to stick to a vegetarian diet?

Studies suggest that having multiple, deep-seated motivations for being vegetarian, rather than a single reason, can increase adherence. A flexible mindset and strong support network also contribute to success.

Is it more difficult for younger or older people to stay vegetarian?

Some studies indicate that people who become vegetarian later in life (e.g., over 35) tend to have an easier and more positive experience, potentially due to better cooking skills and less social pressure.

What are some of the key nutrients vegetarians need to monitor?

Vegetarians should pay close attention to their intake of vitamin B12, iron, zinc, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids, which can be less available in plant-based diets. Supplements and fortified foods are often recommended.

Do former vegetarians eat as much meat as they did before?

Some former vegetarians do not return to their previous level of meat consumption. Many become "flexitarians," or moderate meat-eaters, incorporating meat into their diet more mindfully.