Planet-friendly plates: the effect of a plant-based diet on sustainable eating behavior in a sample of Turkish adults

Abstract

Background: In addition to the health effects of plant-based diets, their impact on the environment is becoming increasingly important. This study was conducted to assess the impact of adherence to a plant-based diet on sustainable eating behaviors. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 2122 Turkish adults, 73% female and 27% male. The plant-based diet index (PDI), healthy plant-based diet index (hPDI) and unhealthy plant-based diet index (uPDI) were obtained from a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). After the index scores were calculated, the sample was divided into tertiles for each index. The sustainable eating behaviors of the participants were determined with the 'Behaviors Scale towards Sustainable Nutrition'. Results: The PDI and hPDI levels of female participants were found to be higher than those of male participants. Factors such as age, exercise and educational status were also found to affect adherence to a plant-based diet. In regression models, PDI (Model 1; beta: 0.413, Model 2; beta: 0.369, Model 3; beta: 0.367) and hPDI (Model 1; beta: 0.462, Model 2; beta: 0.366, Model 3; beta: 0. 351) scores had a positive effect on sustainable eating behavior scores, whereas uPDI (Model 1; beta: -0.496, Model 2; beta: -0.471, Model 3; beta: -0.459) scores had a negative effect (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that individuals with higher adherence to overall plant-based and healthy plant-based diets exhibit more sustainable eating behaviors. Promoting healthy plant-based diets presents a promising approach to advancing sustainable nutrition, and mitigating environmental challenges. (c) 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.