Dame Joanna Lumley says she never gets ill - and puts it down to a diet change 40 years ago. That was when she became a vegetarian - although she described the early days as "awful". Yet sticking with it has brought her numerous health benefits, including a stronger immunity against sickness.
The 78-year-old star, known for her roles in Absolutely Fabulous and the Netflix hit Fool Me Once, opened up about her dietary shift on the Waitrose Dish podcast, where she joined Radio DJ Nick Grimshaw and chef Angela Hartnett.
She reminisced about her choice to go meat-free years ago, which significantly changed her culinary life - and admitted the challenges she faced at first.
Joanna recalled: "It was awful to begin with, going out to restaurants and dinner parties, because people didn't know what to do. 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?"
A champion for sustainable living and animal welfare, Joanna, who adopted a vegetarian lifestyle in the late 1970s, is pleased with the increasing acceptance of vegetarianism, making it easier for her and others who prefer plant-based meals.
Even though accommodating vegetarians is now more commonplace, Joanna always makes a point to show her appreciation when someone considers her dietary preferences. She said: "I like raw things very much, like salads and stuff. I'm so touched when anybody's done anything vegetarian for me," reports Surrey Live.
An estimated 6.1 million people in the UK are embracing a meat-free lifestyle as of 2025, based on a report by Finder. This figure includes 5.2% who have been long-term vegetarians, approximately 2.8 million people, alongside an additional 6.3% poised to adopt vegetarianism this year, adding another potential 3.4 million to their ranks.
Television personality Joanna has frequently shown her love for a veggie-heavy diet, favouring lighter snacks and meals over heavier options. In 2021, she attributed her impressive well-being to her 40+ years as a vegetarian by stating she's 'never ill', but she acknowledged that taking the leap to veganism poses its difficulties.
Reflecting on her dietary choices, Joanna said: "I've been a vegetarian for more than 40 years and I'm never ill. The diet I love best is: eat stuff, mostly vegetables, not too much. And exercise? I have a tall thin house and I run up and down the stairs a lot!"
During her appearance on the Table Manners podcast hosted by Jessie and Lennie Ware, she discussed her decision to stop eating meat and fish, saying: "I suddenly thought I was not going to do this anymore. I am not going to eat meat or fish. No more, finished, gone. But I am not a vegan. That is the next step, but I love cheese."
Adopting a vegetarian diet comes with a myriad of health benefits that can include lowering the risk of heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes, as well as assisting with weight control and fostering glowing skin.
Research has established a connection between increased vegetable consumption and enhanced skin health, attributed to plant compounds known as polyphenols and skin-boosting nutrients like vitamins C and E. Studies indicate that a diet primarily composed of plants may be healthier, with fewer instances of obesity reported.
It could help with weight loss for those aiming to drop some pounds (depending on your starting point).
Are vegetarians really healthier?
Studies suggest that a vegetarian diet can significantly lower the risk of chronic diseases. Such diets are frequently linked with decreased rates of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, leading to improved overall health and a reduced likelihood of severe health issues.
Vegetarian meals are typically high in fibre, which is beneficial for digestive health and bolsters a strong immune system. Also, the assortment of fruits and vegetables incorporated into a vegetarian diet are loaded with antioxidants that aid in protecting cells from damage.
While adopting a vegetarian lifestyle can drastically reduce your risk of developing chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, it doesn't render you completely immune to illness. It's vital to maintain a balanced vegetarian diet to ensure you obtain all the necessary nutrients and keep your immune system robust.
