Dissecting the “84% of Vegans Go Back” Statistic
The headline-grabbing figure that 84% of vegans and vegetarians abandon their diet comes from a 2014 Faunalytics study of American adults aged 17 and over. While the number is correct, its application to the vegan population is often misrepresented. Here’s a breakdown of the key context often missed:
- Includes Vegetarians: The study's 84% figure refers to both ex-vegetarians and ex-vegans combined. Since vegetarians made up a larger portion of the group, and tend to have higher relapse rates, the figure is skewed when applied to vegans alone.
- Relatively Short-Term Attempts: The research showed that many participants who reverted had only followed a vegetarian or vegan diet for a short period. Over half of those who abandoned the diet did so within the first year, with a third lasting three months or less.
- Different Motivational Groups: Crucially, the study also reveals that those motivated solely by health were more likely to quit than those driven by ethical convictions. This suggests a difference between long-term ethical vegans and short-term plant-based dieters.
More recent data and studies focusing on long-term commitments paint a different picture. For example, the EPIC-Oxford study showed that among self-identified long-term vegetarians and vegans, 85% were still on their diet after five years, and 73% after 20 years. This suggests that once a person makes a firm, identity-based commitment, the chances of sticking with it are significantly higher.
Primary Reasons Vegans Revert to an Omnivorous Diet
The decision to abandon a vegan or plant-based diet is rarely due to a single factor. The Faunalytics study and anecdotal reports highlight a combination of challenges that lead to reversion.
Lack of Social Support
Many ex-vegans cite feeling isolated or struggling with social situations. Navigating meals with family, dining out with non-vegan friends, and feeling like an outsider are significant challenges. The Faunalytics research noted that 63% of former participants felt their diet made them 'stick out' from the crowd. For those who lack a strong support network or community, this can become a heavy burden.
Nutritional Mismanagement and Health Concerns
Poorly planned vegan diets can lead to nutrient deficiencies, fatigue, and intense cravings, sometimes prompting a return to animal products. Many ex-vegans report health issues like low energy, which they incorrectly attribute to the diet itself rather than to inadequate caloric or nutrient intake, especially for nutrients like vitamin B12. Those transitioning abruptly are more likely to face these issues.
Inconvenience and Cost
For some, maintaining a strict vegan diet proves too inconvenient, particularly when traveling or living in areas with limited options. While staples like beans and grains are affordable, relying heavily on expensive, processed vegan alternatives can drive up costs. Finding affordable, nutritious vegan food can be a real barrier for many, especially when lacking motivation.
Cravings and Taste Preferences
While some cravings subside over time, others remain persistent, with cheese often cited as a common reason for a dietary lapse. Food cravings are complex and driven by habits, emotions, and familiarity. For individuals without a strong ethical anchor, these desires can override their initial commitment.
Comparison: Ethical vs. Health-Based Motivation
Research consistently suggests that the initial motivation for going vegan is a powerful predictor of long-term success. Here is a comparison of health versus ethical motivations:
| Aspect | Health-Based Motivation | Ethical-Based Motivation |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Driver | Personal health improvement, weight loss, or specific medical conditions. | Animal welfare, environmental impact, or social justice concerns. |
| Conviction Strength | May weaken if health goals are not met or if a different diet promises better results. | Rooted in a core belief system, making it more resilient to setbacks. |
| Retention Rate | Lower. The Faunalytics study found that health was the only motivation for the majority of ex-vegans. | Higher. Ethical vegans demonstrate stronger conviction and are less likely to relapse. |
| Identity Integration | Often viewed as a temporary dietary experiment. | More likely to become a core part of personal identity and lifestyle. |
| Handling Challenges | More susceptible to quitting when faced with social pressure or inconvenience. | More likely to overcome hurdles, viewing them as part of a larger moral commitment. |
Strategies for Building Sustainable Veganism
For those seeking to make veganism a lasting lifestyle, several strategies can help bolster long-term commitment. Embracing a slower, more mindful transition is key, rather than an abrupt switch.
- Focus on 'Why': Regularly revisit the core reasons for adopting the diet. Journaling or connecting with others who share similar motivations can reinforce conviction during challenging times.
- Build a Strong Support System: Find like-minded individuals, whether through online forums, social media groups, or local communities. Having a support network can combat feelings of isolation and make social situations easier to navigate.
- Prioritize Nutritional Planning: Educate yourself on balanced vegan nutrition to avoid deficiencies and manage calorie intake effectively. A well-planned diet that provides ample calories and nutrients, including a B12 supplement, can prevent the fatigue and cravings that lead many to quit.
- Embrace 'Flexibility' (While Remaining Vegan): For some, understanding that occasional imperfections in a non-vegan world are inevitable can prevent a total collapse of the diet. The key is to manage expectations and not let small mistakes derail a long-term goal. As pointed out by Plant Based News regarding the Faunalytics study, some former vegans who 'lapsed' still ended up consuming fewer animal products overall.
- Explore a Variety of Foods: Combat food boredom by trying new recipes and exploring the wide range of plant-based foods available. Creative vegan cooking can replace a focus on what is being restricted with an abundance of new flavors and textures.
Conclusion: The Nuance Behind the Numbers
The simple answer to the question of what percentage of vegans go back is complex and depends on the specific study referenced. The high numbers from the 2014 Faunalytics study are often misquoted and conflate the experiences of short-term plant-based dieters with those of committed ethical vegans. While a high percentage of newcomers may not stick with the diet long-term, especially if their motivation is purely health-based, more dedicated vegans demonstrate high retention rates over many years. A successful and sustainable vegan lifestyle hinges on understanding and overcoming common challenges, building a support network, and establishing a conviction rooted in more than just short-term health goals.
