What Percentage of People Quit Veganism?: A Nuanced Look at Adherence

According to a highly cited yet widely contested 2014 study by Faunalytics, 84% of vegetarians and vegans abandon their diet, but critics argue the study included uncommitted individuals who had tried the diet for only a short time. The real percentage of people who quit veganism is much more complex, influenced by a person's motivation, nutritional knowledge, and support systems.

Quick Summary

The true rate of people leaving veganism is disputed, with widely varying statistics depending on the research methodology. Factors influencing adherence include personal motivation (ethical vs. health), nutritional awareness, and social support. Common challenges involve nutritional deficits, social pressure, and food cravings, all of which are manageable with proper planning and community engagement.

Key Points

• The 84% figure is heavily contested: A controversial 2014 study claimed an 84% abandonment rate for vegetarians and vegans, but this is disputed due to its inclusion of uncommitted, short-term dieters.

• Health, social pressure, and convenience are top reasons for quitting: Former vegans often cite nutritional challenges, social isolation, inconvenience, cost, and cravings as reasons for returning to animal products.

• Ethical motivation often correlates with higher retention rates: Studies suggest that individuals motivated by ethical reasons concerning animal welfare are more likely to stick with a vegan diet long-term compared to those focused solely on health benefits.

• Nutritional deficiencies, particularly B12, can derail a vegan diet: Without proper planning and supplementation, vegan diets can lack key nutrients like vitamin B12, leading to health issues and motivating people to quit.

• A strong support network can increase the likelihood of success: Finding a community of like-minded people, whether online or in person, helps mitigate feelings of social isolation and provides encouragement during challenging times.

• E-asing in gradually can be more sustainable than an abrupt change: Adopting a vegan diet slowly, perhaps starting with a flexitarian or vegetarian approach, allows for a smoother transition and higher long-term adherence.

• Poor planning can lead to weight gain: Switching to veganism but relying on processed, unhealthy alternatives can lead to poor health outcomes, including weight gain.

• Former vegans still often reduce their animal product consumption: A positive takeaway is that many who revert still end up consuming fewer animal products than before their plant-based diet attempt.

Disputing the '84% Quitting' Narrative

The widely circulated statistic that 84% of vegans and vegetarians abandon their diet originates from a 2014 study by the animal rights research organization Faunalytics. While the study's findings received significant media attention, they were immediately met with criticism from the vegan and plant-based communities for conflating new, short-term dietary dabblers with long-term, ethically motivated vegans. The study's participants included those who had only attempted the diet for a few weeks or months, a period where dietary changes are often most challenging. Other, more robust and longer-term studies, such as the EPIC-Oxford study, which followed participants for many years, reported significantly lower rates of people abandoning their plant-based diets. These critiques underscore that what percentage of people quit veganism is far from a simple, singular number and depends heavily on the methodology and duration of the research.

What are the real abandonment statistics?

No single definitive statistic represents the universal rate of people quitting veganism. The variance between studies is significant, with some figures like the 84% being considered outliers due to their methodology. More nuanced research suggests that long-term adherence rates may be much higher than popular narratives imply. A key takeaway from the 2014 Faunalytics study often overlooked is that even those who reverted to eating meat often consumed fewer animal products than they did before their plant-based trial. The data points toward a more complex picture than a simple binary of success or failure.

Factors Influencing a Vegan Diet's Sustainability

Multiple factors contribute to whether an individual can successfully maintain a vegan diet long-term. Understanding these variables is crucial for anyone considering the switch or trying to persevere through challenges.

The role of motivation

Research indicates that the underlying reason for adopting a vegan diet is a powerful predictor of long-term success.

• Ethical vegans: Individuals who adopt veganism for ethical reasons related to animal welfare tend to have a higher retention rate. For them, the choice is not merely a diet but a philosophical and moral commitment, making it more robust against social pressures and cravings.
• Health-motivated vegans: Those primarily motivated by personal health benefits may be more likely to revert if they do not see the expected results or face nutritional challenges. This group may view it as a dietary experiment rather than a lifelong commitment.
• Environmental vegans: People driven by environmental concerns may maintain their diet for a shorter or longer duration depending on their level of commitment and perceived impact.

Common challenges that lead people to quit

People who return to consuming animal products often face similar hurdles. These can be grouped into several categories:

• Nutritional issues: A poorly planned vegan diet can lead to deficiencies in critical nutrients. Common issues include inadequate intake of vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. This can lead to fatigue, anemia, and other health complications.
• Social isolation: Many former vegans cite social difficulties as a major reason for reverting. Feeling excluded at family dinners, social gatherings, or when dining out can create significant emotional strain and a feeling of being an outsider.
• Inconvenience and cost: Finding vegan options, especially when traveling or in areas with limited choices, can be inconvenient. While staple plant-based foods can be inexpensive, reliance on specialty vegan products can increase costs.
• Food cravings: Many ex-vegans report strong cravings for certain foods, particularly cheese, that were difficult to overcome. This can be particularly challenging early in the transition period.

Comparison of Adherence Factors

Factor	High Adherence	Low Adherence
Primary Motivation	Ethical or philosophical beliefs	Health benefits alone
Nutritional Planning	Careful planning, supplementation, and fortified foods	Poorly researched, potentially imbalanced diets
Support System	Active involvement in a vegan community or network	Lack of support from friends, family, or community
Transition Method	Gradual changes over time ('baby steps')	Abruptly switching to a new diet ('cold turkey')
Social Adaptation	Tactfully communicating choices and managing social situations	Feeling like an outsider and experiencing conflict

Strategies for Sustaining a Vegan Diet

For those determined to maintain a vegan diet long-term, several strategies can help overcome the common pitfalls.

• Educate yourself on nutrition: Understand the key nutrients you need to focus on and where to find them. This includes prioritizing varied protein sources, fortified foods, and supplements for B12 and potentially others. A balanced diet of whole foods will provide a much more stable base than relying on processed vegan alternatives.
• Build a support network: Seek out online communities, local groups, or friends who share your values. This can provide a sense of belonging and make navigating social challenges easier.
• Embrace a gradual transition: Instead of an overnight change, consider phasing out animal products slowly. Start with "Meatless Mondays," move to vegetarianism, and then transition to full veganism. This allows your body and social life to adjust at a more manageable pace.
• Learn to cook creatively: Developing a repertoire of delicious plant-based recipes can prevent boredom and manage cravings. Experiment with spices, new ingredients, and cooking techniques to discover the abundance of flavors available in a vegan diet.
• Address mental and emotional factors: Recognize that shifting away from a culturally ingrained diet is a significant psychological change. Don't feel guilty if you have slip-ups, and focus on the overall long-term goals.

Conclusion

While headlines have dramatically claimed high failure rates for veganism, the reality is far more nuanced. A significant portion of these statistics stems from studies with flawed methodologies that include short-term, uncommitted participants. For those who approach a vegan diet with ethical motivation, proper nutritional planning, and a strong support system, the chances of long-term success are substantially higher. The key to sustainability lies not in rigid perfection but in a well-informed, gradual, and supported approach that addresses potential challenges proactively.

Citations

• Do 84% Of Vegans And Vegetarians Really Go Back To ...
• A Summary Of Faunalytics' Study Of Current And Former ...
• Why people quit veganism + how to overcome it - Nourish You
• A Summary Of Faunalytics' Study Of Current And Former ...
• Do 84% Of Vegans And Vegetarians Really Go Back To ...
• "Most vegans quit" Research Context - Reddit
• The Impact of a Vegan Diet on Many Aspects of Health
• Overcoming Potential Dangers of a Vegan Diet - Dr. Taylor Wallace
• Ex-vegans: The real stories behind people who quit veganism
• How to Maintain a Balanced Diet as a Vegetarian or Vegan
• Family and Social Dynamics of Going Vegan - Grabenord
• Why do people quit being vegan if it's healthy? - Quora
• How to Start Eating Meat Again After Being Vegan or Vegetarian
• New Study Reveals 84% of Vegetarians Return to Meat
• Ex-vegans: The real stories behind people who quit veganism
• Why people quit veganism + how to overcome it - Nourish You
• Do 84% Of Vegans And Vegetarians Really Go Back To ...

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the statistic that 84% of vegans quit accurate?

No, the statistic that 84% of vegans quit is widely contested and generally considered an overestimation. It stems from a 2014 study by Faunalytics that included individuals who only tried a vegan or vegetarian diet for a very short time, sometimes just a few weeks.

What is the most common reason people quit veganism?

Common reasons include perceived health issues (especially nutritional deficiencies), social isolation, inconvenience, and difficulty managing food cravings. Health-focused individuals are often more likely to quit than those motivated by ethical reasons.

Do ethical vegans have a higher retention rate?

Yes, research indicates that people who adopt veganism for ethical or philosophical reasons tend to have a higher rate of long-term adherence. Their commitment is based on a moral stance rather than just dietary outcomes, making it more resilient to challenges.

What are the common nutrient deficiencies for vegans?

Vegans must carefully plan their diets to avoid deficiencies in nutrients typically found in animal products. The most common deficiencies include vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids.

How can one avoid quitting a vegan diet due to social pressure?

Mitigate social pressure by building a support network of fellow vegans, either locally or online. Tactfully communicate your dietary choices to friends and family, and explore dining options that accommodate different diets.

Is it better to transition to a vegan diet gradually?

Yes, adopting a vegan diet gradually is often more sustainable for many people. Easing into the lifestyle through stages, like cutting out red meat first or starting with a vegetarian diet, allows for a smoother adjustment for both your body and your social life.

What happens to gut health when transitioning from a vegan diet?

Reintroducing animal products after a long period of veganism can cause digestive issues like bloating and discomfort as your gut flora adjusts. It is recommended to reintroduce different food groups slowly and potentially use probiotics to support gut health.