Vegetarian and omnivorous diets: A cross-sectional study of motivation, eating disorders, and body shape perception

Vegetarianism, which is increasingly widespread in Western societies, underpinned by various motivations (ethical, environmental, health concerns …) and the question of its association with eating disorders continues to divide literature. This cross-sectional study aimed explore compare motives/attitudes bodily preoccupations vegetarian omnivorous participants from general population. Forty-nine vegetarians 52 omnivores, aged between 18 70 years, completed a battery questionnaires including sociodemographic characteristics, Body Mass Indexes (BMI - current, ideal, lifetime lowest, highest), Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ), Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), Shape (BSQ). Compared reported lower current (p = .017), ideal .009), lowest .005) BMIs, more related .001) natural content < .0001), but less weight control .015). While no differences were observed EAT-26 scores, had BSQ total scores .043), on Dissatisfaction Lower body parts .025) Unsuited Cognitions Behaviors .015) subscales compared omnivores. Separate gender comparisons revealed that these existed only among women. Hierarchical regressions motivation was strongest positive statistical predictor group (Exp? 1.18, p .002), while negative .710, .023). Results demonstrated expressed for healthy diet, concerned about controlling their than Vegetarian women BMIs fewer psychological associated diets appeared be benefits concerns, particularly