In recent years, going vegan has transformed from a niche lifestyle to a mainstream global movement. Whether motivated by health, ethics, or the environment, people worldwide are embracing plant-based diets—and the reasons why run deeper than personal preference. Backed by data and social science, this article explores the benefits of going vegan, revealing how culture, psychology, and community are driving the shift.
Veganism on the Rise: A Global Shift
The global vegan population has grown rapidly. In the UK, the number of vegans quadrupled between 2014 and 2019. Worldwide, estimates suggest 1–3% of the population now identifies as vegan, equating to tens of millions of people.
The movement is fueled by trends like Veganuary, which attracted over 25 million participants globally in 2025 . Meanwhile, plant-based food sales are booming. Bloomberg Intelligence projects the market will grow from $29 billion in 2020 to $162 billion by 2030.
Culture and the Decision to Go Vegan
Culture shapes our food habits. In India, plant-based diets are rooted in tradition, with about 9% of Indians identifying as vegan. In Mexico, veganism is growing quickly among younger generations influenced by health trends and social media (GlobalData, 2023).
Conversely, Western societies often promote meat-centric diets, and this cultural pressure can be a barrier. Research shows that social conformity is one of the main reasons people abandon veganism. But as vegan options become more common, societal attitudes are shifting—making it easier for individuals to align their food choices with their values.
Psychology: What Drives the Shift?
Behavioral psychology helps explain the rise of veganism. In a UK study, 70% of new vegans cited animal welfare, 53% cited the environment, and 27% cited health as their main motivations. Often, people have a moment of awareness—through documentaries, books, or social media—that triggers change.
Campaigns like Veganuary and Meatless Mondays leverage behavior-change principles like goal-setting and identity reinforcement. When people view veganism as part of who they are—not just a diet—it becomes easier to maintain.
The Power of Community and Influence
No one goes vegan in isolation. Studies show people are more likely to stick with veganism if their friends or family are also vegan. Social media also plays a role, with influencers normalizing plant-based living and online groups providing peer support.
Meanwhile, the rise of vegan meetups, cooking classes, and city festivals builds a sense of community. When veganism feels social, rather than isolating, it becomes far more sustainable long-term.
The Benefits of Going Vegan
The decision to go vegan isn’t just personal—it has broad societal implications.
Health
Research from Harvard and the Adventist Health Studies shows that vegans have lower risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers (Harvard Health, 2020). A study found that plant-based diets could reduce early mortality by up to 15%.
Public health organizations like the WHO also support reduced meat consumption, linking it to better health outcomes and lower healthcare costs. In the UK, analysts estimate that widespread plant-based eating could save the NHS £6.7 billion annually.
Environment
Going vegan is one of the most effective ways to reduce your environmental impact. According to the UN and Oxford University, plant-based diets can:
- Cut food-related greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70%
- Use 76% less land than meat-heavy diets
- Reduce water use and deforestation linked to livestock farming
The UN Environment Programme has urged global dietary shifts to curb climate change and promote sustainable food systems.
Economy and Accessibility
Contrary to the myth that vegan diets are expensive, research shows they can be cheaper. A 2021 study by Oxford University found that vegan diets can reduce grocery bills by up to 34% in high-income countries (Lancet Planetary Health).
As demand grows, the plant-based sector is creating jobs in food tech, agriculture, and retail—fueling a new green economy.
Final Thoughts: A Socially Smart Choice
The social science of going vegan reveals a lifestyle driven by more than just food choices, it’s a reflection of changing cultural values, peer dynamics, and environmental ethics. With global support growing and the benefits of going vegan more visible than ever, it’s easier than ever to make the switch.
You don’t have to go all-in overnight. Try a plant-based meal once a week or join a community challenge. Small steps can lead to lasting change—for you and the planet.
Sources:
- Viva!: Statistics about veganism
- An exploration into diets around the world
- The Vegan Society: Worldwide growth of veganism
- Food Revolution Network
- World Population Review: Veganism by Country 2025
- Corey Lee Wrenn: The Social Psychology of Veganism – Conformity
- Physicians Committee: Half of U.S. Adults Acknowledge Health Benefits of Eating a Plant-Based Diet
- News Medical
- Physicians Committee: A Vegan Diet: Eating for the Environment
- Lancet Planetary Health