The Origin of the Misleading '84% Vegans Return to Meat' Statistic
The now-famous 84% statistic originated from a 2014 study conducted by the Humane Research Council (now Faunalytics), which surveyed over 11,000 U.S. adults about their meat-eating habits. The headline-grabbing figure was created by combining the relapse rates of both former vegans and former vegetarians.
Further analysis of the Faunalytics data reveals critical nuances that the summary statistic ignores. Many of the participants who eventually returned to eating meat did so early in their dietary journey, with about a third relapsing within just three months and over half within a year. This suggests that many of these individuals were not long-term, committed vegans, but rather people who attempted a plant-based diet and quickly found it unsustainable for various reasons. The study's methodology of grouping these casual or short-term participants with dedicated adherents and treating all relapses equally contributes to the misleading nature of the 84% figure.
Key Reasons People Transition Away from a Strict Vegan Diet
While the 84% figure is not an accurate reflection of committed vegan relapse, a certain percentage of people do eventually stop being vegan. Studies and anecdotal reports point to several key factors that influence this decision:
- Health Concerns: Some ex-vegans report experiencing health issues like nutrient deficiencies (e.g., B12, iron, zinc), fatigue, or digestive problems, particularly if their diet was not well-planned. In some cases, a strict or restrictive approach can lead to disordered eating patterns, prompting a return to animal products. For others, reintroducing certain foods, like eggs or fish, helps them feel better.
- Social and Cultural Challenges: Navigating social situations, family meals, and dining out can be difficult for vegans, leading to feelings of isolation. The feeling of sticking out or the inconvenience of limited options can create pressure to conform to non-vegan norms. Some people find it challenging to explain or defend their choices repeatedly.
- Cravings and Taste: Simply missing the taste or texture of certain foods is a powerful motivator for some people to revert. Cravings for cheese, in particular, are frequently cited. While these cravings are not indicative of a specific nutrient need, they are a real psychological hurdle for many.
- Convenience and Cost: A common complaint from those who stop is the increased effort required for meal planning, label reading, and preparation. While whole-food plant-based diets can be inexpensive, reliance on specialty vegan products and restaurants can be costly and inconvenient.
- Initial Motivation: The Faunalytics study noted that former vegetarians and vegans often cited a single health motivation, while long-term adherents had multiple, stronger reasons like animal protection. Research suggests that an ethical foundation for going vegan is more predictive of long-term adherence.
Long-Term Adherence vs. Initial Attempts
It is important to distinguish between those trying a plant-based diet for a short period and those who commit to it as a long-term lifestyle. The 2014 Faunalytics study captured a wide range of individuals, including many who never fully identified as vegan. In contrast, studies like the EPIC-Oxford study, which followed committed dietary participants over many years, show significantly lower relapse rates for dedicated vegans and vegetarians. For example, after five years, approximately 85% of participants were still following their diet, and after 20 years, the relapse rate was still far below the commonly cited 84% figure.
This discrepancy highlights that a true, committed dietary shift, often driven by a combination of ethics, health, and environmental concerns, is more likely to be successful over the long haul than a temporary, less-informed trial.
Comparison of Vegan Relapse Study Findings
| Feature | Faunalytics (HRC) 2014 Study | EPIC-Oxford Study (e.g., 2019 data) |
|---|---|---|
| Study Type | Cross-sectional survey | Long-term cohort study |
| Participants | ~11,000 US adults who had ever identified as vegetarian or vegan | Over 35,000 UK residents from a long-term health study |
| Focus | Former and current vegetarians/vegans | Committed vegetarians and vegans over decades |
| Key Finding | 84% of combined ex-vegetarians/vegans abandon their diet | After 5 years, 85% of vegetarians/vegans still followed their diet |
| Relapse Period | Majority of lapses occurred within the first year of attempting the diet | Followed over a 20-year period, showing much lower long-term relapse |
| Main Motivations | Health was the single most cited reason for ex-vegetarians | Ethical and health motivations were strong drivers for long-term adherence |
| Reliability of 84% | Highly misleading; conflated committed vegans with short-term triers | Offers a more accurate picture of long-term dietary commitment |
Strategies for a Sustainable Vegan Lifestyle
For those considering or maintaining a vegan diet, careful planning can mitigate the common challenges that lead to relapse. Success hinges on a thoughtful approach to nutrition, social situations, and personal motivation.
Prioritizing Nutritional Completeness
To avoid health-related issues that cause many to give up, focus on a well-rounded diet with essential nutrients:
- Vitamin B12: This is the most crucial supplement for vegans, as it's not reliably found in plant foods. Fortified foods or a regular supplement are necessary to prevent permanent nerve damage.
- Iron: Include iron-rich plant foods like lentils, chickpeas, tofu, and leafy greens. Pairing these with a source of Vitamin C enhances iron absorption.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Obtain essential fatty acids from sources like flax seeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and algae oil supplements.
- Calcium: Ensure adequate intake with fortified plant milks, tofu, and leafy greens like kale.
- Protein: Variety is key. Combine sources like legumes, grains, nuts, seeds, and tofu to ensure all essential amino acids are covered.
Cultivating a Strong Support System
Having social support can be the difference between long-term success and early relapse.
- Communicate openly with family and friends: Help them understand your motivations without being confrontational. Offer to bring a vegan dish to gatherings to show them how delicious plant-based food can be.
- Find a community: Join local vegan potlucks, online forums, or social media groups to connect with like-minded individuals. Having a support network can combat feelings of isolation.
- Practice gradual transition: Instead of going 'cold turkey', a slower transition allows the palate and habits to adjust, which can make the change more sustainable.
Focusing on Motivation Beyond Health
While health is a valid motivation, research indicates that an ethical drive can increase long-term adherence. Understanding the broader impact on animals and the environment can provide a stronger, more resilient foundation for sticking with a vegan lifestyle, especially when facing temptations or inconveniences. For more information on the ethical aspects, consider visiting The Vegan Society website for resources.
Conclusion
The 84% figure suggesting that a high majority of vegans return to meat is a sensationalized distortion of old data that combined short-term vegetarians and vegans. A more accurate look at the evidence shows that for those who are genuinely committed and well-prepared, maintaining a vegan lifestyle is achievable and sustainable. The decision to revert to meat-eating is complex, driven by factors ranging from poor nutritional planning to social pressures. By understanding and proactively addressing these challenges, individuals can successfully maintain a plant-based diet for the long term.
