Abstract
Background and Purpose: Historically used as the sole treatment for celiac disease, there has been a substantial rise in popularity of the gluten-free diet (GFD) as both a diet plan and alternative form of medicine in the United States (US). Approximately 1% of the US population suffers from celiac disease, but various reports show 30% to 80% of adults have an interest in, or are currently adhering to, a GFD. This study aimed to understand this disproportion by exploring GFD adherence motivations, in addition to medical diagnoses, within a population of gluten-free followers. Methods. An anonymous, internetbased survey was administered to assess GFD motivations and adherence within the general population (n=99). Results. Of those currently following or who had previously followed a GFD, medical diagnosis was reported by only 28.6% as motivation for GFD adherence, with 60.7% reporting general health motivations, 25.0% reporting weight loss motivations, and 21.4% reporting curiosity. Conclusion. This study supports previous research suggesting that adherence to a GFD may occur for reasons outside of a medical diagnosis. Public health educators should inform individuals about risks and misconceptions associated with GFDs when implementing healthy eating programs for adults without medically diagnosed digestive conditions.
Highlights
IntroductionThere has been a substantial increase in the popularity of the gluten-free diet (GFD)
During the past decade, there has been a substantial increase in the popularity of the gluten-free diet (GFD)
While approximately 1% of the United States (US) population suffers from celiac disease, only 18% of GFD followers have been diagnosed with celiac disease and only 6% have been diagnosed with gluten-sensitivity (Marshall, 2014; Sapone et al, 2012)
Summary
There has been a substantial increase in the popularity of the gluten-free diet (GFD). Initially considered a dietary trend, sales of gluten-free products reached $8.8 billion in sales in 2014, an increase of 63% from 2012 (Marshall, 2014) Despite this substantial growth, little is known about consumer motivations for purchasing gluten-free products or choosing to follow a GFD. The prevalence of reported gluten sensitivity cases among the general population, and the prevalence of adults following a GFD or purchasing gluten-free products do not equate, indicating that there may be motivations aside from a medical prescription behind this dietary decision. 1% of the US population suffers from celiac disease, but various reports show 30% to 80% of adults have an interest in, or are currently adhering to, a GFD. This study aimed to understand this disproportion by exploring GFD adherence motivations, in addition to medical diagnoses, within a population of gluten-free followers. Public health educators should inform individuals about risks and misconceptions associated with GFDs when implementing healthy eating programs for adults without medically diagnosed digestive conditions
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