Impact of plant-based diets and associations with health, lifestyle and healthcare utilisation: a population-based survey study
Abstract Objective: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of plant-based patterns in the Spanish population and assess their potential impact on individuals with similar socio-demographic backgrounds. Design: We estimated vegetarian and vegan individuals’ national and regional prevalen...
| Published in: | Public Health Nutrition |
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Cambridge University Press
2025-01-01
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S1368980025100669/type/journal_article |
| Summary: | Abstract
Objective:
To determine the prevalence and characteristics of plant-based patterns in the Spanish population and assess their potential impact on individuals with similar socio-demographic backgrounds.
Design:
We estimated vegetarian and vegan individuals’ national and regional prevalence and analysed their socio-demographic characteristics and weekly dietary intake patterns. Individuals with a plant-based dietary pattern were matched to a control group (1:4) with similar socio-demographic characteristics. Associations with the prevalence risk of common chronic diseases, self-reported health status, lifestyle and healthcare use were analysed with unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models.
Setting:
A population-based survey of individuals residing in Spain.
Participants:
Data from 22 072 participants were examined.
Results:
The prevalence of plant-based diets was 5·62‰ (95 % CI: 4·33, 7·28), and adherents were female (68·6 %), single (62·3 %) and university-educated 41·8 %) (P < 0·001). They reported higher rates of ‘never’ consuming snacks (50 % v. 35 %), fast food (58 % v. 36 %) and sweets (33 % v. 14 %). Lifestyle factors did not differ between the plant-based and omnivorous groups; however, adherence to plant-based diets was associated with a prevalence risk of depressive symptoms (OR 2·58, 95 % CI: 1·00, 6·65), stroke (OR 7·08, 95 % CI: 1·27, 39·46) and increased consultations for mental health and complementary medicine (OR 3·21, 95 % CI: 1·38, 7·43).
Conclusions:
Plant-based diets are uncommon and are associated with specific socio-demographic profiles, particularly sex. When comparing individuals with similar socio-demographic characteristics, individuals with plant-based diets and omnivores had similar lifestyles. Addressing patient concerns regarding diet and personal well-being might prioritise healthy behaviours over specific dietary patterns.
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| ISSN: | 1368-9800 1475-2727 |