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Veganism & Vegetarism in Eating Disorders with Courtney McLean

In this weeks podcast, Han is joined by Courtney McLean. Courtney is a PhD candidate at Monash University, where they are conducting research to determine the association between veganism, vegetarianism, and eating disorders. Courtney is also developing a validated, novel eating disorder tool for these individuals who present in eating disorder clinical settings engaging in vegan and vegetarian dietary patterns. In this weeks podcast, we discuss:

  • Where Courtney's motivation and insight for beginning her PhD research on the relationship between eating disorders, veganism and vegetarianism.

  • Exploring your intentions as to why you are engaging in a vegan/vegetarian diet, and if this is positive towards your recovery.

  • The importance of respecting someone's values and exploring the impact eating meat may have on their recovery.

  • The quantity and portion sizes required in order to meet nutritional requirements.

  • How current questionnaires and screening tools for eating disorders are not adaptable to vegans and vegetarians.

  • The hope for research surrounding veganism and vegetarianism in eating disorders, including prevalence rates and cognitive traits.

To find out more about Courtney and the research they are conducting, you can find them on Twitter @CourtneyPMcLean.

You can also find the Royal College of Psychiatry Consensus statement on considerations for treating vegan patients with eating disorders here: https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/docs/default-source/members/faculties/eating-disorders/vegan-patients-eating-disorders-mar19.pdf?sfvrsn=be96d428_2

Please note that this podcast discusses vegan and vegetarian dietary patterns and eating disorders. This podcast is not aimed to criticise vegan and vegetarian lifestyles but to explore the impact of these diets during eating disorder recovery. Please tread lightly, check in with yourself, and do not replace clinical advice and support with this podcast.

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