Is vegetarianism related to anxiety and depression? A cross-sectional survey in a French sample

Vegetarianism has a contentious relationship with mental health. In this cross-sectional study, Bègue & Shankland (2022) looked at the links between vegetarianism, depression, and anxiety in a sample of 6,578 participants (70.8% female, 18-90 years of age). The participants submitted data through a self-reported questionnaire, which was then analyzed while taking several variables into account (age, body mass index, gender, income, education level, and size of city), revealing no substantial differences in the levels of anxiety and depression experienced by vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Thus, the authors demonstrate no potential relationships between plant-based diets and anxiety or depression. [NPID: Anxiety, cross-sectional studies, depression, vegetarian diet]

Year: 2022

Reference: Bègue, L., & Shankland, R. (2022). Is vegetarianism related to anxiety and depression? A cross-sectional survey in a French sample. Journal of health, population, and nutrition, 41(1), 18. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41043-022-00300-2