Austrian Study Reveals Vegan Teens Outperform Peers in Exercise Habits

August 15, 2025
Austrian Study Reveals Vegan Teens Outperform Peers in Exercise Habits

In a groundbreaking nationwide study conducted in Austria, researchers have uncovered significant differences in the health behaviors and motivations of nearly 9,000 secondary school students following vegan, vegetarian, and omnivorous diets. Published in the journal *Current Developments in Nutrition* on July 29, 2025, the study highlights that vegan and vegetarian adolescents demonstrate higher levels of physical activity and increased consumption of fruits and vegetables compared to their omnivorous peers.

The research, led by Dr. Katharina Wirnitzer, a Professor of Sport Science at the University of Innsbruck, utilized a multi-level cluster sampling strategy to analyze the dietary habits and lifestyle choices of students aged 10 to 19 years. The survey encompassed a wide range of factors, including diet type, dietary motives, and physical activity levels, revealing a noteworthy trend termed the "veggie boom" among Austrian youth. According to Dr. Wirnitzer, "The findings suggest that health is the primary motive for dietary choices among students, with a significant portion of the youth increasingly adopting plant-based diets."

Historically, Austria has been recognized for its strong animal welfare policies, and this study corroborates that a growing number of young Austrians are opting for vegetarian and vegan diets. Approximately 51% of Austrians have reduced their meat intake, and the study found that only 5.2% of participants identified as strictly vegetarian or vegan, with 1.6% following a vegan diet.

The data show that 86% of vegan students engage in regular leisure-time sports, a stark contrast to the average activity levels across all dietary groups, which still fail to meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily exercise for adolescents. The research highlights the importance of schools as environments for promoting healthy behaviors. According to Dr. Dagmar Tanous, a researcher involved in the study, "Schools are crucial public health arenas that can foster lifelong healthy habits through improved nutrition and physical activity opportunities."

Moreover, the study found that the motivations behind dietary choices varied significantly across different demographics. While animal welfare was the predominant motive for vegetarian students, health emerged as the top reason for those following vegan or omnivorous diets. The research also noted a significant gender disparity, with more females identifying with vegetarian or vegan diets, likely influenced by cultural perceptions of masculinity associated with meat consumption.

In response to these trends, Austrian school meal guidelines are evolving, mandating the inclusion of vegan meal options in schools by 2024. This policy shift underscores a societal trend toward plant-based diets and reflects the findings of this study, which suggest that schools could be instrumental in shaping dietary habits and promoting physical activity among students.

The implications of this research extend beyond Austria, shedding light on potential public health strategies that could encourage healthier lifestyles among adolescents globally. Experts like Dr. Charles Drenowatz, a co-author of the study, predict that the increasing popularity of veganism among younger generations may lead to significant dietary shifts worldwide by 2073. "The current study emphasizes that fostering a culture of healthy eating and active living among adolescents is crucial for combating the rising rates of obesity and related health issues," Dr. Drenowatz stated.

As the research illustrates, while the omnivorous diet remains the most common among Austrian teens, the active lifestyle adopted by vegan and vegetarian adolescents presents a compelling case for public health initiatives aimed at improving dietary habits and physical activity levels within educational settings. This study not only contributes to the understanding of youth dietary trends but also highlights the need for ongoing support and resources to promote healthier lifestyles among future generations.

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