A qualitative exploration on the prevalence of a diet culture mindset among plant-based eaters in Vermont
Conference Year
2024
Abstract
Plant-based diets are known for benefiting human health and the environment. However, there is a potential co-occurrence with behaviors linked to “diet culture”, which equates thinness to health. This study explores the theory that plant-based eating is associated with diet culture beliefs. 28 Vermont plant-based adults were interviewed in 2022 and transcripts were thematically coded and analyzed for diet culture beliefs. Diet culture beliefs were evident in 75% (n=21) of the interviews. Participants discussed the use of dietary restriction strategies such as moralizing foods. Promotion of plant-based diets must be careful to avoid aligning with diet culture associated beliefs.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Emily Belarmino
Graduate Student Mentors
Saadatu Abdul-Rahaman, Michelle Leonetti
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Second Student College
Patrick Leahy Honors College
Program/Major
Nutrition and Food Sciences
Primary Research Category
Social Science
A qualitative exploration on the prevalence of a diet culture mindset among plant-based eaters in Vermont
Plant-based diets are known for benefiting human health and the environment. However, there is a potential co-occurrence with behaviors linked to “diet culture”, which equates thinness to health. This study explores the theory that plant-based eating is associated with diet culture beliefs. 28 Vermont plant-based adults were interviewed in 2022 and transcripts were thematically coded and analyzed for diet culture beliefs. Diet culture beliefs were evident in 75% (n=21) of the interviews. Participants discussed the use of dietary restriction strategies such as moralizing foods. Promotion of plant-based diets must be careful to avoid aligning with diet culture associated beliefs.