A data set of eating behaviors, mood and sociodemographic features for people following with meat-free or omnivore diet

Participants aged between 18 and 65 years were invited to fill out an online survey via the social media platforms Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. Exclusion criteria were being outside this age range or following any types of a plant-based diet other than meat free diet (ovo-vegetarian, lacto-vegetarian, lacto-ovo-vegetarian or vegan). A total of 1652 participants responded to the study. Of these, 86 reported following any other types of plant-based diet, such as a pescetarian diet (eating fish, but no other meat), flexitarian diet (mostly vegetarian, but sometimes includes red meat, fish, or poultry) and they were excluded from the data analysis, leaving 1466 participants, resulting in a response rate of 86%. Of these, 836 self-identified as vegetarian or vegan, and 519 self-identified as an omnivore. The main outcome variables of interest were depression and anxiety as indicator of overall mental wellbeing, and also eating behaviours. The main explanatory variable was self-reported diet preference. The survey contained additional items on Instagram use, BMI, body image satisfaction, current physical or psychiatric disorders, diet, regular exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption.