Myth - Vegetarian eating causes eating disorders in teenagers

Fact - Vegetarian eating does not lead to disordered eating habits

The Position Paper of the American Dietetic Association on Vegetarian Diets makes the following statement:

"Being vegetarian does not cause disordered eating as some have suggested although a vegetarian diet may be selected to camouflage an existing eating disorder. Because of this, vegetarian diets are somewhat more common among adolescents with eating disorders than in the general adolescent population. Food and nutrition professionals should be aware of young clients who greatly limit food choices and who exhibit symptoms of eating disorders. With guidance in meal planning, vegetarian diets can be appropriate and healthful choices for adolescents."

References

¹Position Paper of the American Dietetic Association: Vegetarian Diets. 2009.