The Controversial '84%': Deconstructing a Popular Statistic
For years, a study from the humane research organization Faunalytics has been the source of the claim that a majority of vegetarians and vegans relapse. The study, conducted in 2014, found that 84% of people who adopted a meat-free diet eventually returned to eating meat. While the headline number is impactful, it is often misinterpreted. The study grouped both vegetarians and vegans together, and notably, it found that lapsed vegans were less likely to return to meat than lapsed vegetarians, with a 70% relapse rate for vegans versus 86% for vegetarians.
Furthermore, the survey included individuals who only followed the diet for very short periods. A significant portion (53%) of ex-vegans/vegetarians quit within the first year, and about a third quit in just three months or less. This suggests that many of these individuals were testing the diet rather than making a long-term commitment, which skews the overall relapse rate. Long-term studies paint a different picture. The EPIC-Oxford study, for example, showed a much lower recidivism rate over several years for those who maintained a vegetarian or vegan diet for an extended period.
Why People Return to an Omnivorous Diet
Quitting a vegan diet is rarely due to a single factor. The reasons are often multifaceted and can be categorized into a few major areas.
Health and Nutrition Challenges
- Nutrient Deficiencies: One of the most common reasons cited by former vegans is a feeling of ill health, which is often linked to nutrient deficiencies. Without proper planning, a vegan diet can lack sufficient intake of key nutrients like vitamin B12, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and calcium. A poorly planned diet can lead to fatigue, hair loss, and other health issues, prompting people to reintroduce animal products.
- Lack of Proper Planning: Many new vegans transition abruptly without understanding how to replace the calories and nutrients from animal products. A sudden calorie deficit can lead to hunger and fatigue, making the diet unsustainable.
- Digestive Issues: Some individuals report digestive problems like bloating or discomfort, which can be caused by the increased fiber intake and a sudden change in gut microbiota.
Social and Emotional Factors
- Social Isolation: Feeling like an outcast at family gatherings, social events, or restaurants is a major barrier for many. Lapsed vegans often report feeling alienated or judged by non-vegan family and friends, leading to resentment and isolation.
- Cravings: Intense cravings for certain foods, particularly cheese, are a widely reported reason for reverting. While cravings can often be managed, they are a powerful psychological driver that can wear down willpower over time.
- Lack of Support: The absence of a strong support network, including friends, family, or an online community, can make maintaining the diet feel like an uphill battle.
Practical and Logistical Barriers
- Inconvenience: Eating out, traveling, or attending events can be inconvenient when vegan options are limited. This requires extra planning and effort, which can be daunting for some.
- Cost: While a whole-foods plant-based diet can be very affordable, a diet heavily reliant on premium vegan alternatives can be expensive. Cost can become a limiting factor, especially for those on a tight budget.
- Unrealistic Expectations: Some people may enter veganism with a health-only motivation and without a deeper ethical commitment. When the expected health benefits don't materialize quickly, or when challenges arise, they may feel less motivated to persist.
Strategies for Long-Term Vegan Success
Successful long-term adherence to a vegan diet is highly achievable with proper knowledge and a proactive approach. Here are key strategies for staying the course:
- Comprehensive Nutritional Planning: Research is paramount. Understand your nutritional needs and how to meet them with a diverse range of plant foods. Utilize reliable resources from registered dietitians or health organizations. Supplements, particularly for vitamin B12, are often necessary.
- Focus on Ethical Motivation: Studies suggest that those motivated by animal protection and ethics have a higher retention rate. A strong, values-based motivation can provide a durable foundation during difficult times.
- Community and Support: Find your community, whether online or locally. Engaging with like-minded individuals can provide emotional support, practical tips, and a sense of belonging that combats social isolation.
- Embrace Gradual Transition: Instead of going cold turkey, transitioning gradually can help your body and habits adjust. This might involve adopting a vegetarian diet first or slowly phasing out animal products over several weeks or months.
- Learn to Cook Delicious Vegan Meals: Investing time in learning new recipes and cooking methods can make the diet exciting and sustainable. This helps to prevent boredom and the feeling of restriction, which are often cited reasons for lapsing.
Comparing Motivations of Current vs. Former Vegans
| Motivation | Primary for Former Vegans | Primary for Current Vegans | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health | High (58% cited as only motivator) | High (69% cited, but often alongside other motives) | Ex-vegans often focus solely on health benefits, which can be a weaker foundation if challenges arise. Current vegans are more likely to have multiple motivating factors. |
| Animal Protection | Low (not primary) | High (68%) | Ethical commitment is a strong predictor of long-term adherence to veganism. |
| Social Identity | Low (58% did not see it as part of identity) | High (Implicated by consistent adherence) | Incorporating veganism into one's personal identity seems to increase the likelihood of sticking with it. |
| Environmental Concerns | Low (not primary) | High (59%) | Environmental concerns serve as a powerful secondary motivation for many who maintain the diet. |
| Convenience/Cost | High (cited in Faunalytics data) | Lower (Manage challenges) | Practical barriers are a significant hurdle for those who lapse. Committed vegans learn to navigate these issues. |
Conclusion: Retention Is Possible with Proper Preparation
The sensationalized figure that 84% of vegans and vegetarians quit is a misrepresentation of a complex reality. While relapse is common, particularly among those who adopt the diet for a short period or without sufficient preparation, long-term adherence is entirely possible and common among those with strong motivation and good planning. Factors such as a solid ethical foundation, social support, and comprehensive nutritional knowledge are critical for maintaining a vegan diet. By understanding the challenges and equipping themselves with the right tools, individuals can significantly increase their chances of long-term success on a plant-based journey.
For those interested in exploring a vegan diet sustainably, organizations like the Vegan Society and others offer resources and guidance to help navigate the transition and ensure nutritional adequacy. Making the switch requires dedication and forethought, but the data shows it is a rewarding and lasting change for many.
