Some correlates of vegetarianism in anorexia nervosa

Cases of 180 anorectics were studied by means of a retrospective analysis of hospital notes. Of these 98 were “nonvegetarian” and 82 were “vegetarian.” The two groups were examined for differences in clinical and social backgrounds. Vegetarian anorectics were more likely to be abstainers, hyperactive, vegans, and to consume large quantities of noncalorific fluid and also showed greater fear of “fatness” than nonvegetarian anorectics. The mothers of vegetarian anorectics were more likely to be weight conscious and the fathers fearful of illness than their counterparts. As families they were also significantly more overprotective and enmeshed. Vegetarianism was especially a feature of anorectics of Asian origin.