At the same time, I can’t think we can overestimate the impact that peer and social pressure have on aspiring vegetarians and vegans. That pressure is relentless and often involves alienation from one’s own family (I am the only person in my family who is vegetarian / vegan). Similarly, as has been noted by others, full realization of the magnitude of animal suffering and societal indifference invariably contributes to feelings of depression / despair that are unconnected to diet. I consider myself extremely fit and active, and have not experienced any physical downside from changing my eating; but I have experienced deep sorrow / depression with regard to the new realities with which I’m now deeply acquainted.

Thus, I think one thing that might reduce recidivism is finding ways to integrate new vegetarians / vegans into a larger community of like-minded people. Certainly this approach works for things like weight loss and substance abuse, as well as for religious converts. The sense of belonging and access to support would certainly help people overcome the stress of stepping outside the mainstream and bearing witness to, if only through their refusal to participate, the evils of animal exploitationl