Young vegetarians consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables are eating a healthy diet but they may also have an increased risk of spree eating and other unusual behaviors, researchers said. Despite its proven health benefits, a vegetarian diet might in fact be masking an underlying eating disorder.
After examining the diets, weight and drug and alcohol use of 2,516 teenagers and young adults aged 15 to 23 who took part in a survey in 31 Minnesota schools they found that young vegetarians reported more binge eating than meat eaters.
“Findings from the present study indicate that adolescent and young adult vegetarians may experience the health benefits associated with increased fruit and vegetable intake, and young adults may have the added advantage of decreased risk for overweight and obesity,” said Romona Robinson-O’Brien, an assistant professor at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University in Minnesota.
“However, current vegetarians may be at increased risk for binge eating, while former vegetarians may be at increased risk for extreme unhealthful weight control behaviors,” she added.
