{"id":9227,"date":"2023-12-03T21:20:50","date_gmt":"2023-12-03T14:20:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=9227"},"modified":"2023-12-03T21:20:50","modified_gmt":"2023-12-03T14:20:50","slug":"why-diet-culture-and-gender-roles-are-connected","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=9227","title":{"rendered":"Why Diet Culture and Gender Roles Are Connected"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p> <span class=\"drop-cap__first text-dropcap \">T<\/span>he term \u201cdiet culture\u201d is often\u2014aptly\u2014associated with toxic-leaning food and nutrition topics, such as glorifying restrictive eating habits and centering weight loss as a goal. While these are all very much a part of it, diet culture can touch many other aspects of daily life\u2014whether we&#8217;re aware of it or not.<\/p>\n<p>In her recently released bestseller <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FFat-Talk-Parenting-Diet-Culture%2Fdp%2F1250831210%3Ftag%3Dwgtrx12039-20%26asc_refurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.wellandgood.com%252Fdiet-culture-gender-roles%252F%26asc_source%3Ddirect%26asc_campaign%3Dno-campaign&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fdiet-culture-gender-roles%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Fat-Talk-Parenting-Diet-Culture\/dp\/1250831210\" data-type=\"affiliateLink\" data-aff-intermediate=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Fat-Talk-Parenting-Diet-Culture\/dp\/1250831210?tag=wgtrx12039-20&amp;asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fdiet-culture-gender-roles%2F&amp;asc_source=direct&amp;asc_campaign=no-campaign\"><em>Fat Talk: Parenting in the Age of Diet Culture<\/em>,<\/a> author Virginia Sole-Smith writes about how gender roles and expectations are brought into the equation. Therapists, dietitians, and other experts weigh in on the topic, including the harms and how to respond.<\/p>\n<div class=\"\">\n<hr\/>\n<div class=\"experts-in-article noskim py-[24px] px-[40px]\">\n<p>Experts In This Article<\/p>\n<ul class=\"!ml-[18px]\">\n<li> <a href=\"https:\/\/thriveworks.com\/therapist\/al\/brandy-smith\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/thriveworks.com\/therapist\/al\/brandy-smith\">Brandy Smith, PhD<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/thriveworks.com\/therapist\/al\/brandy-smith\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/thriveworks.com\/therapist\/al\/brandy-smith\">Brandy Smith, PhD<\/a> is a licensed psychologist who specializes in eating disorders, gender, and women\u2019s and men\u2019s issues with <a href=\"https:\/\/thriveworks.com\/birmingham-counseling\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/thriveworks.com\/birmingham-counseling\/\">Thriveworks<\/a> in Birmingham, Alabama. <\/li>\n<li> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pandowellness.org\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.pandowellness.org\/\">H Coakley, RD<\/a> <\/li>\n<li> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jaclynasiegel.com\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.jaclynasiegel.com\/\">Jaclyn Siegel, PhD<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jaclynasiegel.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.jaclynasiegel.com\/\">Jaclyn Siegel, PhD<\/a> is a social psychologist who studies the intersection of gender and eating disorders. <\/li>\n<li> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lifestance.com\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.lifestance.com\/\">Katelyn Miskevics, LMFT<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lifestance.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.lifestance.com\/\">Katelyn Miskevics, LMFT<\/a>, is a therapist with LifeStance Health. <\/li>\n<li> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.choosingtherapy.com\/lena-suarez-angelino\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.choosingtherapy.com\/lena-suarez-angelino\/\">Lena Suarez-Angelino, LCSW<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.choosingtherapy.com\/lena-suarez-angelino\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.choosingtherapy.com\/lena-suarez-angelino\/\">Lena Suarez-Angelino, LCSW<\/a> is a therapist at Choosing Therapy. \u00a0 <\/li>\n<li> <a href=\"https:\/\/equip.health\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/equip.health\/\">Scout Silverstein<\/a>, Scout Silverstein is senior program development lead at <a href=\"https:\/\/equip.health\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/equip.health\/\">Equip Health<\/a> and member of <a href=\"https:\/\/fedupcollective.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/fedupcollective.org\/\">FEDUP Collective<\/a>. <\/li>\n<li> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.choosingtherapy.com\/silvi-saxena\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.choosingtherapy.com\/silvi-saxena\/\">Silvi Saxena, MBA, MSW, LSW, CCTP, OSW-C<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.choosingtherapy.com\/silvi-saxena\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.choosingtherapy.com\/silvi-saxena\/\">Silvi Saxena<\/a>, MBA, MSW, LSW, CCTP, OSW-C is a therapist at Choosing Therapy. <\/li>\n<li> <a href=\"https:\/\/virginiasolesmith.com\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/virginiasolesmith.com\/\">Virginia Sole-Smith<\/a>, journalist and author of <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FEating-Instinct-Culture-Image-America%2Fdp%2F1250120985%3Ftag%3Dwgtrx682-20%26asc_refurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.wellandgood.com%252Fhow-to-talk-to-kids-about-weight%252F%26asc_source%3Ddirect%26asc_campaign%3Dno-campaign&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fhow-to-talk-to-kids-about-weight%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FEating-Instinct-Culture-Image-America%2Fdp%2F1250120985%3Ftag%3Dwgtrx682-20%26asc_refurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.wellandgood.com%252Fhow-to-talk-to-kids-about-weight%252F%26asc_source%3Ddirect%26asc_campaign%3Dno-campaign&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fhow-to-talk-to-kids-about-weight%2F&amp;event_type=click\" data-xid=\"fr1692975016705dhe\" data-orig-url=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FEating-Instinct-Culture-Image-America%2Fdp%2F1250120985%3Ftag%3Dwgtrx682-20%26asc_refurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.wellandgood.com%252Fhow-to-talk-to-kids-about-weight%252F%26asc_source%3Ddirect%26asc_campaign%3Dno-campaign&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fhow-to-talk-to-kids-about-weight%2F&amp;event_type=click\" data-spot-replaced=\"1\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\"><em>The Eating Instinct <\/em><\/a>and the upcoming release, <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FFat-Talk-Parenting-Diet-Culture%2Fdp%2F1250831210%3Ftag%3Dwgtrx682-20%26asc_refurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.wellandgood.com%252Fhow-to-talk-to-kids-about-weight%252F%26asc_source%3Ddirect%26asc_campaign%3Dno-campaign&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fhow-to-talk-to-kids-about-weight%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FFat-Talk-Parenting-Diet-Culture%2Fdp%2F1250831210%3Ftag%3Dwgtrx682-20%26asc_refurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.wellandgood.com%252Fhow-to-talk-to-kids-about-weight%252F%26asc_source%3Ddirect%26asc_campaign%3Dno-campaign&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fhow-to-talk-to-kids-about-weight%2F&amp;event_type=click\" data-xid=\"fr1692975016705cgb\" data-orig-url=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FFat-Talk-Parenting-Diet-Culture%2Fdp%2F1250831210%3Ftag%3Dwgtrx682-20%26asc_refurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.wellandgood.com%252Fhow-to-talk-to-kids-about-weight%252F%26asc_source%3Ddirect%26asc_campaign%3Dno-campaign&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fhow-to-talk-to-kids-about-weight%2F&amp;event_type=click\" data-spot-replaced=\"1\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\"><em>Fat Talk: Parenting in the Age of Diet Culture<\/em><\/a> <\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<hr\/><\/div>\n<h2>Diet culture and gender roles &#8220;feed&#8221; each other<\/h2>\n<p>In short, diet culture markets to both men and women, in different ways, \u201chelping\u201d them fit into the gender expectations and stereotypes forced upon them. That\u2019s how diet companies make money.<\/p>\n<p>We see this play out in magazines, movies, advertisements, the media, and more. Think \u201cshowing images and encouraging men to be \u2018tough,\u2019 have certain musculature, and be sufficiently \u2018sturdy\/bulky,\u2019 and women to be \u2018small enough,\u2019 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/tips-ease-discomfort-about-eating-more\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/tips-ease-discomfort-about-eating-more\/\">not eat \u2018too much,\u2019<\/a> and not consume certain foods,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/thriveworks.com\/therapist\/al\/brandy-smith\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/thriveworks.com\/therapist\/al\/brandy-smith\">Brandy Smith, PhD<\/a>, a licensed psychologist who specializes in eating disorders, gender, and women\u2019s and men\u2019s issues with <a href=\"https:\/\/thriveworks.com\/birmingham-counseling\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/thriveworks.com\/birmingham-counseling\/\">Thriveworks<\/a> in Birmingham, Alabama.<\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content \" style=\"\" data-module-init=\"related-content\" data-module-immediate=\"\" v-cloak=\"\">\n<div class=\"related-content__wrapper \" v-cloak=\"\" :class=\"{'is-loaded':isLoaded}\">\n<p> <span class=\"inline pr-6 text-seafoam-dark\">Related Stories<\/span> <\/p>\n<p> <related-content class=\"related-content__links\" parent-article-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/diet-culture-gender-roles\/\" current-title=\"The XL Way Diet Culture Capitalizes on Gender Roles and Expectations\" current-image=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Stocksy_txp4a760676ORq300_Small_2603987-425x285_418x278_true_70.webp\" v-on:parsely-posts-loaded=\"onPostsLoaded\" start-date=\"2023-06-03\" tag=\"div\" inline-template=\"\" url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/diet-culture-gender-roles\/\" secret=\"w5ztterVB03LGZJLfXS0hf3EvQBuFFIWew9hmVQxthU\" apikey=\"wellandgood.com\" limit=\"3\"> <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"related-content__card mb-[10px] sm:mb-[20px]\" :class=\"{'related-content__card--full':posts.length === 1}\" v-for=\"(post, key) in posts\"> <a v-on:click.prevent=\"trackLinkGA($event, key)\" :href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/diet-culture-gender-roles\/post.url\" data-url-source=\"related-content\" class=\"related-content__link\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"\"> <\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content__card--image bg-tan\" :style=\"{ backgroundImage: 'url(' + post.image_url + ')' }\"> <img :src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/diet-culture-gender-roles\/post.image_url\" :alt=\"post.title\"\/> <\/div>\n<p> <\/a>  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p> <\/related-content> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>This messaging shows up in the gym, too. \u201cSociety often will expect women to be the ones that go to yoga or use cardio machines as a way to maintain their figure, lose weight, or reach an optimal figure, whereas for men, they are expected to engage in exercises and diet regimens that promote gaining muscle and to be \u2018tough,\u2019\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/www.choosingtherapy.com\/lena-suarez-angelino\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.choosingtherapy.com\/lena-suarez-angelino\/\">Lena Suarez-Angelino, LCSW<\/a>, a therapist at Choosing Therapy.<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s dive deeper into what that looks like for men and women individually.<\/p>\n<h3>Diet culture and men<\/h3>\n<p>While there\u2019s lots of talk about women and dieting, we don\u2019t see this as much for men\u2014which means they often don\u2019t get the support they need. \u201cMen tell me they don\u2019t have a script for how to talk about diet culture,\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jaclynasiegel.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.jaclynasiegel.com\/\">Jaclyn Siegel, PhD<\/a>, a social psychologist who studies the intersection of gender and eating disorders, notes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMen aren\u2019t supposed to care about their weight in our culture,\u201d Sole-Smith adds. \u201cMen, especially the straight, cisgender, white, mostly thin men I&#8217;m focusing on in this chapter, aren\u2019t defined by their appearance in the same way women and other marginalized people tend to be. They hold the cards, after all. And yet, we\u2019ve all seen a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.yahoo.com\/lifestyle\/apple-watch-dad-almond-mom-152156346.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.yahoo.com\/lifestyle\/apple-watch-dad-almond-mom-152156346.html\">dad on a diet<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>\u201cThere is tremendous empowerment to be found in understanding how rigid ideas about gender and bodies limit us all.\u201d<br \/>\u2014H Coakley, RD, registered dietitian at Pando Wellness<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Given what\u2019s expected of them\u2014and the pressure they may feel to be and appear \u201cmasculine\u201d\u2014this isn\u2019t a surprise. Sole-Smith gives the example of intermittent fasting, which is \u201ceasy to market to men, who are taught to equate their gender with endurance, control, and strength from an early age.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pandowellness.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.pandowellness.org\/\">H Coakley, RD<\/a>, a registered dietitian nutritionist at Pando Wellness who has extensive experience in individual counseling, eating disorders, food justice, and body image programming, you may also see cis-male influencers promoting caveman diets and meat-eating, as well as emphasizing muscle growth and increasing testosterone.<\/p>\n<p>The market and its advertisements are big players in promoting the idea that men should act and look \u201cstrong\u201d and \u201ctough,\u201d too. \u201cLook in any men\u2019s fitness magazine, look at trends like Paleo or Atkins, and you will see this rhetoric enforcing the idea of what a man \u2018should\u2019 look like,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lifestance.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.lifestance.com\/\">Katelyn Miskevics, LMFT<\/a>, a therapist with LifeStance Health.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, diets aren\u2019t solely about appearance-related factors, but personality traits, too. Sole-Smith gives the example of Jack Dorsey, billionaire and former CEO of Twitter, saying he eats one meal a day because it \u201chelps him \u2018focus\u2019 on building his empire.\u201d These kinds of disordered behaviors are harder to recognize, she says, than when we hear about female celebrities engaging in them. \u201cWhen we revere this kind of restriction without examining the toll it takes, we make it that much harder for any ordinary guy to talk about his struggles,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n<p>As Dr. Siegel discusses in the book, having empathy for men in these situations can lessen the stigma and societal harm they&#8217;re already experiencing by being told to \u201ctough it out.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3>Diet culture and women<\/h3>\n<p>This intersection is probably already familiar to you. From the weight-loss headlines on <em>Women\u2019s World<\/em> magazine to comments some women say to each other about \u201cneeding to be good by ordering a salad,&#8221; diet culture in the context of women is much more prevalent and discussed.<\/p>\n<p>Coakley adds a new point to be mindful of: Cisgender, female influencers in the diet culture space are often more coded in their language. \u201cSo for example, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wellness-diet-culture-podcast\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wellness-diet-culture-podcast\/\">a diet\/exercise plan may be discussed in terms of wellness<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/dry-january-weight-loss\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/dry-january-weight-loss\/\">\u2018inflammation,\u2019<\/a> or being more toned\u2014but the underlying behaviors are still restrictive and revolve around the final \u2018result\u2019 [of] fitting within an acceptable thin ideal, which also inherently caters to the male gaze,\u201d they say.<\/p>\n<h3>Diet culture and transgender people<\/h3>\n<p>Transgender folks experience added pressure when it comes to their bodies \u201cconsidering gender expression and the way one is perceived by others can be directly related to level of exposure to discrimination, harassment, and violence,\u201d according to Scout Silverstein, senior program development lead at <a href=\"https:\/\/equip.health\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/equip.health\/\">Equip Health<\/a> and member of <a href=\"https:\/\/fedupcollective.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/fedupcollective.org\/\">FEDUP Collective<\/a>. Coakley referred to the need to \u201cpass\u201d as the gender the person identifies as. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pbs.org\/newshour\/nation\/report-says-at-least-32-transgender-people-were-killed-in-the-u-s-in-2022\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.pbs.org\/newshour\/nation\/report-says-at-least-32-transgender-people-were-killed-in-the-u-s-in-2022\">Otherwise, they could be killed<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>What about people who don\u2019t fit into the rigid binary? Coakley says non-binary people can \u201cfeel a pressure to perform androgyny, which often translates to being very thin because that is how it\u2019s typically portrayed in the media.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>How to respond to the pressures of gender roles<\/h2>\n<p>With powerful forms of oppression pushing hard, what can we do? Here are some expert-backed ideas to get you started.<\/p>\n<h3>Curate your social media feed<\/h3>\n<p>Dr. Smith encourages <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/tiktok-health-every-size-influencers-essay\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/tiktok-health-every-size-influencers-essay\/\">following accounts that nourish you<\/a> (aka, experts that align with intuitive eating, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/health-at-every-size\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/health-at-every-size\/\">Health at Every Size [HAES]<\/a>, LGBTQIA+ allyship, etc.) and unfollowing the ones that don\u2019t. She says this can \u201cground in what a body actually needs, separate from any stereotyped and\/or gendered messaging.\u201d Research shows this, too: According to a recent study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, regularly seeing unhelpful social media content <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8001450\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8001450\/\">can lead to body dissatisfaction<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Speak up and spread the valuable info you learn<\/h3>\n<p>After seeing that nourishing content, don\u2019t keep it to yourself, Coakley advises. The more we talk about this on a large scale, the better off we all are. Besides that, Coakley urges people to support related organizations and \u201cspaces that lift up all bodies in a way that is not just window dressing, but deeply ingrained,\u201d as well as getting involved in the political sphere in whatever way feels right.<\/p>\n<p>Along these lines, Silverstein invites people to speak up when harmful comments are made. \u201cFor example, when a friend talks about their body negatively, thinking of replies such as \u2018I have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/positive-self-talk\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/positive-self-talk\/\">committed to not make disparaging remarks about my body<\/a> as I&#8217;ve noticed it makes me feel worse about myself. Do you want to join me in calling one another in when we catch ourselves falling into shame around our bodies?\u201d they say.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Coakley urges people to support related organizations and \u201cspaces that lift up all bodies in a way that is not just window dressing, but deeply ingrained,\u201d as well as getting involved in the political sphere in whatever way feels right.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h3>Think critically about gender stereotypes<\/h3>\n<p>Silverstein recommends asking yourself questions such as \u201cWhat are non-physical traits that represent femininity\/masculinity\/androgyny?\u201d and \u201cWho benefits from rigid ideas of physical traits associated with femininity\/masculinity\/androgyny?\u201d Trans folks who have been <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/gender-affirming-clothing\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/gender-affirming-clothing\/\">previously interviewed for <em>Well+Good<\/em><\/a> have felt gender euphoria by wearing heels, overalls, flannel, and several other pieces.<\/p>\n<p>Another aspect to face: In reality, seeing gender as a binary isn\u2019t helpful. It keeps us from fully diving into who we are, what we like, and how we want to express ourselves. \u201cThere is tremendous empowerment to be found in understanding how rigid ideas about gender and bodies limit us all,\u201d Coakley adds.<\/p>\n<p>Along these lines, Silverstein encourages working on knowing yourself deeply (and feeling confident in that), rejecting societal norms, and reclaiming beauty and desire as creative and expansive.<\/p>\n<p>Doing that can feel unsafe sometimes (think of the fear a transgender man might feel when walking into the men\u2019s restroom). In that case, Silverstein suggests validating those feelings and working on actionable ways to cope and feel safe. One idea: walking into the bathroom with a trusted friend.<\/p>\n<h3>Be an ally to the queer community<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/lgbtq-ally-commitment\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/lgbtq-ally-commitment\/\">Supporting LGBTQIA+ folks generally (and year-round)<\/a> is always helpful. When it comes to diet culture, though, there are additional, more specific steps you can take. Suarez-Angelino recommends having all-inclusive training programs, incorporating marketing strategies that include all body types and genders, and refraining from gendered messages like \u201cGet it, girl!\u201d or \u201cToughen up, bro.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Silverstein notes the importance of normalizing gender diversity, too, especially in our current political climate. They encourage cisgender people to check in on their transgender friends and look for any changes in their eating habits and behaviors. \u201cWith transgender and non-binary people already being at disproportionate risk for eating disorder behaviors, it is important that we hold the context of our current environment as an added risk,\u201d they say.<\/p>\n<p>This holds especially true for queer people who have multiple marginalized identities, such as a Black nonbinary person. \u201cStereotyping, expectation setting, and both subtle and unsubtle racist tropes affect how gender is performed and enacted in the body,\u201d Coakley adds. \u201cI\u2019m thinking here about the ways that a body that outwardly appears outside of the \u2018norm\u2019 in some capacity is often either policed or disavowed with respect to their gender.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3>Remember general disordered eating-related care<\/h3>\n<p>A couple tips here. One Silverstein mentions is considering the risks and benefits. \u201cFor example, making a list of the costs of pursuing appearance ideals (e.g. time, money, relationships, joy),\u201d they say. (Of course, this tip is more complicated for transgender individuals who may worry for their safety.)<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.choosingtherapy.com\/silvi-saxena\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.choosingtherapy.com\/silvi-saxena\/\">Silvi Saxena<\/a>, MBA, MSW, LSW, CCTP, OSW-C, a therapist at Choosing Therapy, reminds us of a truth about values. \u201cOthers\u2019 opinions of your body are a reflection of their own internalized body shame and an unwillingness to consider different perspectives,\u201d she says. In other words, you aren\u2019t the problem, and closed-minded, bigoted people don\u2019t deserve your attention. Just saying!<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>\u201cOthers\u2019 opinions of your body are a reflection of their own internalized body shame and an unwillingness to consider different perspectives.\u201d<br \/>\u2014Silvi Saxena, MBA, MSW, LSW, CCTP, OSW-C<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h3>Work with a professional<\/h3>\n<p>Talking to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/eating-disorder-resources\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/eating-disorder-resources\/\">a gender-affirming and HAES-aligned therapist, dietitian, and\/or doctor<\/a> is a crucial step for many, if it\u2019s financially possible. (For more affordable therapists, check out <a href=\"https:\/\/openpathcollective.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/openpathcollective.org\/\">Open Path Collective\u2019s database<\/a>.) \u201cFor example, if one is fixated on achieving a certain body type or weight, professionals can aid in getting to the root of why this is important to them, what a healthier approach may look like, and what thoughts or behaviors could be enforcing negative beliefs,\u201d Miskevics says. Further, she encourages cherishing, nurturing, and celebrating your body for what it can do, regardless of how it looks.<\/p>\n<h3>Get support from your community<\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s important to validate that while these steps are helpful, they aren\u2019t instant cures. \u201cDeveloping defenses against these pressures requires practice,\u201d Silverstein says. However, they believe there\u2019s hope and power in leaning on others. \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/queer-friendships\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/queer-friendships\/\">Queer and transgender communities tend to also have strength<\/a> in the level of vulnerability we share with one another,\u201d they add.<\/p>\n<p>Both queerphobia and diet culture need to be addressed, and ASAP\u2014so why not fight them both at the same time?<\/p>\n<div class=\"block-thin post-citations mt-[40px] mb-[30px]\" data-module-init=\"main-2020\/post-citations\" data-module-immediate=\"true\">\n<hr class=\"!border-seafoam-dark mb-[24px]\"\/>\n<div class=\"post-citations-content flex flex-col gap-[24px]\">\n<p>Well+Good articles reference scientific, reliable, recent, robust studies to back up the information we share. You can trust us along your wellness journey.<\/p>\n<div>\n<ol class=\"!ml-[18px] !mt-0\">\n<li>\n              Jiotsa, Barbara et al. \u201cSocial Media Use and Body Image Disorders: Association between Frequency of Comparing One\u2019s Own Physical Appearance to That of People Being Followed on Social Media and Body Dissatisfaction and Drive for Thinness.\u201d\u00a0<i>International journal of environmental research and public health<\/i>\u00a0vol. 18,6 2880. 11 Mar. 2021, doi:10.3390\/ijerph18062880            <\/li>\n<\/ol><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<hr class=\"!border-seafoam-dark mt-[24px]\"\/>\n  <\/div>\n<div class=\"disclaimers__after_content mb-[18px] mt-[16px] pt-[16px]\">\n<div class=\"outline-earmark relative mt-[8px] pt-[10px] pl-[20px]\">\n<p>\n            Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission.          <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div data-type=\"_mgwidget\" data-widget-id=\"1675549\">\r\n<\/div>\r\n<script>(function(w,q){w[q]=w[q]||[];w[q].push([\"_mgc.load\"])})(window,\"_mgq\");\r\n<\/script>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The term \u201cdiet culture\u201d is often\u2014aptly\u2014associated with toxic-leaning food and nutrition topics, such as glorifying restrictive eating habits and centering weight loss as a goal. While these are all very much a part of it, diet culture can touch many other aspects of daily life\u2014whether we&#8217;re aware of it or not. In her recently released &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":9228,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9227","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9227","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=9227"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9227\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/9228"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=9227"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=9227"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=9227"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}