A team from the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil explored how adopting a vegan diet might relate to eating disorder risks. The researchers noted that individuals choosing veganism often do so for ethical reasons rather than as a strategy to lose weight, a distinction they framed around the motivations people themselves cited in the study. This observation aligns with a broader interpretation of vegan choices as tied to values rather than dieting goals, a point highlighted in MedicalXpress’s summary of the work.
The study involved 971 Brazilian residents who identified as vegans and carried an average body mass index of 22.6, which falls within the normal range of 18.5 to 25. The team collected data through an online survey to capture information on education, income, and eating habits, and then sought to understand the motivations behind each participant’s dietary path. Participants frequently described their reasons with terms like “necessity,” “health,” and “habit,” while the lowest frequency of responses referenced “social norms,” “public image,” and “emotional control.”
Approximately 62% of respondents reported ethical or animal rights concerns as their primary motivation for going vegan. A smaller share, about 10%, cited health or healthcare considerations as a key driver for their dietary choice.
The findings indicated that 94% of participants demonstrated eating behaviors aligned with nutrition guidelines and did not show signs typical of disorders such as anorexia or bulimia. Only a small portion of the group reported some challenges in body perception and a predisposition toward certain mental health concerns, including episodes of dietary restriction, occasional overeating, and guilt after meals. These patterns contributed to the researchers’ conclusion that vegan eating behavior may appear more stable because it is less anchored to weight loss aims than to other personal or ethical motivations.
Importantly, the study emphasizes that the stability observed in vegan eating patterns may relate to the absence of a compulsive drive to limit calories for weight loss. When the focus shifts to values and health benefits rather than calorie restriction, adherence to a vegan diet could reflect a different relationship with food and body image. The researchers framed this dynamic within a broader context of how personal aims influence eating habits, suggesting that the ethical framing behind veganism may play a protective role in relation to certain disordered eating symptoms. [Citation: University of Sao Paulo study; MedicalXpress summary]
Earlier discussions about veganism and health have also touched on animal welfare and environmental concerns as central motivators, rather than a straightforward pursuit of thinner bodies or tighter appearances. This line of inquiry supports the idea that dietary choices grounded in values can interact with mental health in distinct ways, potentially reducing risk indicators associated with eating disorders for some groups. In this light, the Brazilian study adds to a growing body of evidence that motivation matters when interpreting how diet relates to eating behavior, body perception, and overall wellness. [Citation: Research team release; MedicalXpress overview]
In practical terms, the research highlights the importance of understanding why people choose veganism when assessing how such diets impact eating patterns and mental health. Health professionals might consider exploring underlying motivations with individuals who adopt vegan diets, recognizing that ethical commitments could influence how they perceive food, body image, and related behaviors. The findings also underscore the value of promoting balanced dietary education that supports healthy eating without stigmatizing any one dietary choice. By focusing on nutrition quality, variety, and mindful eating, the potential protective aspects of veganism against certain dysregulated eating patterns can be better understood and communicated. [Citation: University of Sao Paulo study; MedicalXpress summary]
Overall, the Brazilian research paints a nuanced portrait of veganism as a lifestyle choice that can coexist with stable eating behaviors in many participants. It cautions against oversimplifying the link between diet and mental health and invites ongoing investigation into how personal values shape dietary practices across diverse populations. The authors note that further studies with broader demographics and longer follow-ups could help clarify how vegan motivation and adherence influence eating disorder risk over time. [Citation: University of Sao Paulo team; MedicalXpress update]