The Duration of Vegetarian or Vegan Lifestyle: Factors Influencing Return to Meat

The duration that individuals maintain a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle before returning to eating meat varies widely. This can be influenced by personal reasons, motivations, and circumstances. Let's explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and some general trends observed in research and surveys.

Short-term Adopters

Many people may try vegetarianism or veganism for a short period, often lasting a few months for health, ethical, or environmental reasons. A significant portion of these individuals may revert to an omnivorous diet. According to a 2016 study, about 84% of people who try vegetarianism eventually return to eating meat. The average duration of adherence is often cited as around 3 months to a year, although this can vary significantly.

Long-term Adopters

Those who identify strongly with the ethical or environmental aspects of a plant-based diet tend to stay on this lifestyle longer. Some studies indicate that individuals who adopt vegetarianism or veganism for ethical reasons are more likely to maintain the lifestyle. Social support, health benefits, food availability, and personal motivations can all influence how long someone stays on a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Personal Experiences

For many vegetarians, the transition to a meat-free lifestyle can be transformative. Some individuals may experiment with vegetarianism or veganism, but the cravings for meat persist. Others might decide to remain in the lifestyle permanently. Personally, I was vegetarian for over twenty years before I decided to return to a more omnivorous diet. The decision to reintroduce meat was influenced by several factors, including a change in personal values and health considerations.

Conclusion

While many people may experiment with vegetarianism or veganism, the commitment to the lifestyle can be influenced by a variety of factors. The experiences of those who remain in the lifestyle and those who return to consuming meat highlight the personal nature of this choice. Whether it's a few months or years, the journey of maintaining a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle is shaped by individual factors such as social support, health benefits, and personal motivations.