Can veganism mask or trigger eating disorders?
Summary
Research shows a correlation between vegetarian/vegan diets and disordered eating, but the relationship is complex. For some individuals, veganism provides a socially acceptable framework for food restriction. For others, ethical veganism is entirely separate from body image or restriction. Clinicians and individuals should be aware of this intersection without assuming that all veganism is pathological.
Evidence Summary
This is a topic that requires care. Dismissing the concern enables harm. Weaponising it against all vegans is equally unhelpful. The evidence supports a nuanced middle ground. ## What the research shows Multiple studies have found a statistical association between vegetarian and vegan diets and symptoms of disordered eating, particularly orthorexia nervosa -- an obsessive focus on eating "pure" or "clean" foods (Barthels et al., 2022).