 "Photo: Alex Palomino/The Observer")
Think back, many moons ago, to 2002. Do you remember a little movie called “My Big Fat Greek Wedding?” More specifically, do you remember the main character’s aunt who said, “What do mean he don’t eat no meat?! That’s OK. I make lamb.” Her point exactly.
While it was once approached with much apprehension, in more recent years the popularity of vegetarian and vegan lifestyles has skyrocketed. So much so, in fact, that if you were to sit in a room with a group of your friends, there is a pretty high chance that at least one person is or has been a vegetarian or vegan at some point in his or her life. But as the age of those who are swearing off meat decreases and with the discussion surrounding youth obesity becoming as common as a “Gossip Girl” recap, we are forced to ask: are people choosing the lifestyle for the right reasons or are they pledging with ulterior motives?
A recent study released by the American Dietetic Association linked vegetarianism to a higher risk of developing an eating disorder, finding that the lifestyle is sometimes used as a weight loss method. The study found that vegetarians run the risk of binge-eating as well as engaging in other unhealthy, weight-controlling methods. Targeting ages 15-23 nationwide, the study addresses the college generation, so how much of the findings hold true for the students of Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC)?
Anne Kunsemiller, FCLC ’09, who has been a vegetarian on-and-off for about six years said, “I don’t really know of anyone who has that mindset. It’s totally unhealthy if that’s the reason you’re doing [the vegetarian lifestyle] for. There are much healthier ways to lose weight and it really isn’t something that works anyhow.”
Kendra Strouf, FCLC ’09, who has been a vegetarian for several years, agreed. “I have heard people say similar things,” Strouf said in regard to the study. “I have heard of a few people who get really into ‘Skinny Bitch’ [a diet book promoting vegetarian and vegan lifestyles] and totally transform their eating habits. If you treat vegetarianism like a crash diet or whatever, it won’t work or be a healthy lifestyle, but that is the same for any crash diet. It’s all about balance.”
“I know people who are ‘unhealthy’ vegetarians—but because they eat just starches and few vegetables,” said Charlotte Canner, FCLC ’09. “I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who became a vegetarian to lose weight.”
While students don’t seem to see the study’s validity here at FCLC, Kathleen Malara, director of Health Services, said the results of the study came as no big surprise and that the link between the two is actually more prevalent than many think.
“I’m glad to hear they’ve done a study on it,” said Malara. “It’s always been a suspicion of clinicians… I’m not surprised they’ve linked [vegetarianism] to [eating disorders]. Many eating disorders I have treated over the years have been [with] vegetarians. Many, not all.”
“I’m sure there are many true vegetarians out there who do it for strict reasons, so no it’s not always that way,” Malara continued. “But I do see a connection.”
But while health experts maintain this may be the case, some students expressed that eating disorders can arise without initial intent.
Doug Zambon, FCLC ’11, who was a vegetarian for three years, believes unhealthy habits are easy to fall into and therefore understands that eating disorders can develop subconsciously.
“It’s just as easy to eat bad food when you’re a vegetarian,” said Zambon. “Its not like most vegetarians in that position are trying to be that way.”
In regard to vegetarians who develop eating disorders, Zambon said, “It just kind of happens…. You just think, ‘Oh I’m a vegetarian. This is what I eat.’ They just kind of get unhealthy.”
For whatever reason a person chooses the vegetarian lifestyle, one thing is crystal clear: vegetarians need to know how to stay healthy when deciding to make this change in lifestyle.
Malara suggests going to a nutritionist and to not wait until you’ve developed unhealthy habits to do so.
“People can be healthy and be vegetarian. They have to learn how to substitute other foods to maintain the correct amount of nutrients… Proteins are usually the biggest problem…. Consult with a nutritionist. [Vegetarians] should get very familiar with the foods they need to eat.”
So whether you are already a vegetarian or are considering going herbivore, remember your health comes first, regardless of your reasons for the switch. As for the rest of us, maybe we should take some sage-like advice and just eat some lamb.
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