Dame Joanna Lumley has opened up about her decades-long commitment to vegetarianism, describing the initial transition as "awful" despite reaping significant health rewards for over forty years.
The Difficult Beginning
The 79-year-old actress, celebrated for her roles in Absolutely Fabulous and Netflix's Fool Me Once, first discussed her dietary journey on the Waitrose-sponsored Dish podcast with Nick Grimshaw and Angela Hartnett. She confessed that becoming a vegetarian in the late 1970s was challenging, particularly when navigating social situations.
"It was awful to begin with, going out to restaurants and dinner parties, because people didn't know what to do," Lumley explained. "They'd panic and try to make you eight eggs and sort of lasagnes which just turned into huge slabs of concrete with something horrifying in between. There was no way of saying, can I just eat the vegetables?"
Enduring Benefits and Lifestyle
Now a vocal advocate for sustainable living and animal rights, the star acknowledges that societal acceptance has grown immensely. She expressed deep gratitude when hosts accommodate her diet, stating she is "so touched when anybody's done anything vegetarian for me," and revealed a preference for "raw things very much, like salads and stuff."
Her plant-based approach typically involves lighter meals and smaller portions. Back in 2021, she directly attributed her robust health to her meat-free choices, boasting she's 'never ill'. She summarised her philosophy: "The diet I love best is: eat stuff, mostly vegetables, not too much." For exercise, she relies on her "tall thin house," quipping, "I run up and down the stairs a lot!"
Despite her long-standing commitment, Lumley admitted that becoming a vegan would be a difficult step, confessing, "I love cheese."
The Rise of Vegetarianism in the UK
Lumley is far from alone in her lifestyle choice. Research by Finder claims that approximately 6.1 million Brits had embraced vegetarianism as of 2025. This figure is composed of 2.8 million individuals (5.2%) already following a meat-free diet, with an additional 3.4 million (6.3%) planning to adopt vegetarian habits within the year.
What Are the Health Perks?
Adopting a vegetarian lifestyle is linked to numerous health advantages. Key benefits include a lower risk of heart disease, certain cancers, and type 2 diabetes. It can also aid in weight management and promote healthier skin, thanks to plant compounds like polyphenols and skin-boosting nutrients such as vitamins C and E.
Studies indicate that plant-based diets are often associated with lower rates of obesity and can lead to more significant weight loss. Furthermore, these diets are typically high in fibre, which supports digestive health and a strong immune system. The abundance of fruits and vegetables also provides antioxidants that help protect cells from damage.
It is crucial to note that a vegetarian diet does not make one entirely immune to illness. Maintaining a balanced diet to ensure adequate nutrient intake is essential for keeping the immune system robust. Experts recommend speaking with a doctor before making any major dietary changes, especially for individuals with specific medical conditions.
