Nearly 5% of Saudi Adults Embrace Plant-Based Diets, Study Reveals

A recent study on dietary preferences in Saudi Arabia revealed that 4.7% of the population sample followed a plant-based diet, highlighting a notable shift in dietary habits within the country. Conducted by Mohammed Al-Mohaithef and published in the National Library of Medicine, the research titled “Prevalence of vegan/vegetarian diet and eating behaviour among Saudi adults and its correlation with body mass index: A cross-sectional study,” examined a sample of 1,143 Saudi adults.

Participants were recruited from shopping malls and completed an online questionnaire that included questions about demographics, diet type, eating habits, and physical activity. Since the sample was not randomly selected and there was no clear distinction between vegans and plant-based individuals, it is not accurate to conclude that approximately 5% of the Saudi Arabian population is vegan.

The study also found that 79.6% of the vegans surveyed were women, 77.8% were aged between 18 and 30, and 85.2% were graduates. The primary reason for adopting a vegan diet was animal ethics (37%), followed by weight control (31.5%) and health improvement (18.5%). None of the vegans had been following the diet for more than four years, and 72.9% had been vegan for less than a year. A significantly higher proportion of vegans reported never consuming fast food, fried food, or fizzy drinks. There was a moderate positive correlation between BMI and the consumption of fast food, fried food, fizzy drinks with meals, and canned food.

In conclusion, the study underscores a growing trend towards veganism among Saudi adults, driven primarily by ethical, health, and weight control motivations. Despite the limitations of the sample selection, the research provides valuable insights into the dietary preferences and behaviors of the Saudi population. As more individuals embrace plant-based diets, it is essential to continue exploring the implications of these dietary choices on health and lifestyle in Saudi Arabia.