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.

Recent Posts

Understanding ARFID Through the Lens of Emetophobia

Understanding Emetophobia

By Hannah Hickinbotham • September 8, 2025
Emetophobia is the intense fear of vomiting. Learn how it shows up in daily life, how it connects with eating disorders like ARFID, and what strategies can help.
The Illusion of Healing Binge Eating Disorder with Weight Loss Medication

The Illusion of Healing Binge Eating Disorder with Weight Loss Medication

By Hannah Hickinbotham • September 1, 2025
Discover why GLP-1 medications like Ozempic may reduce food noise but can't heal binge eating disorder. Explore what true recovery involves, from regular eating to emotional awareness and reconnecting with your body.
The hidden costs of cosmetic procedures in body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)

Can Cosmetic Surgery Fix Body Dysmorphia?

By Hannah Hickinbotham • August 28, 2025
Explore why cosmetic surgery often fails to resolve body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), the crucial role of clinicians, and how tools like Prepare support safer, more informed aesthetic decisions.

Raising the Profile of ARFID Through Clinical Insight

By Hannah Hickinbotham • August 18, 2025
ARFID needs urgent recognition - and we're here to help with that.
The Realities of Living with Binge Eating Disorder

The Realities of Living with Binge Eating Disorder

By Hannah Hickinbotham • August 11, 2025
Binge eating disorder is one of the most misunderstood eating disorders. In this heartfelt conversation, advocate Zoe Hazel shares her lived experience, the truth behind the stigma, and practical steps toward recovery.
Breaking the cycle - how to talk to children about food

How to Talk to Children About Food and Body Image

By Hannah Hickinbotham • August 1, 2025
Discover how to talk to children about food in a healthy, inclusive way. Learn from Dr. Anna Colton about breaking intergenerational diet culture and healing together.
Show More