Plant-based recovery from restrictive eating disorder: A qualitative enquiry

Hunter, Rachael ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1451-469X, Platygeni, Marina and Moore, Emma 2024. Plant-based recovery from restrictive eating disorder: A qualitative enquiry. Appetite 194 , 107137. 10.1016/j.appet.2023.107137

Preview

PDF - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (907kB) | Preview

Abstract

Objectives Plant-based/vegan diets are growing in popularity. There are growing numbers of individuals adopting plant-based diets and there are legitimate concerns from professionals that this can enable food restriction or mask disordered eating. The aim of this study was to examine the role a plant-based diet can play for those in recovery from restrictive eating disorders (anorexia and bulimia nervosa). Methods Interviews conducted with fourteen individuals who identified as having a restrictive eating disorder for which a plant-based diet played/plays an important part in their recovery. Semi-structured interviews explored the individual's lived experiences and motivations of adopting a plant-based diet, and perceptions of the role it played in recovery. Data was transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006). Results Three key themes with six contributory subthemes were identified. Key themes were plant-based as a gateway to recovery, the changing value of food, and the function of control. Theme content highlighted an evolving role of identity and community, with a shift in meaning and value of food described, and for some, the development of a new relationship with their body. This facilitated a de-coupling of anxieties about food and promoted positive experiences of eating, esteem and empowerment. Conclusions These findings present a unique insight into the role that plant-based eating may play in recovery for some restrictive eating disorders. The data demonstrated that motivations to control food intake may contribute to the decision to eat plant-based. However, for these individuals it provided a “gateway” to a new more meaningful relationship with food. These findings highlight some of the risks and benefits of eating plant-based in recovery and an important role for health professionals in understanding/supporting individuals during recovery. w/c 280

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Psychology
Publisher:	Elsevier
ISSN:	0195-6663
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	15 April 2026
Date of Acceptance:	20 November 2023
Last Modified:	15 Apr 2026 14:18
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/186406

Actions (repository staff only)

Edit Item