Tag: Societal pressure

Research consistently shows significant differences in dietary intake between genders, with a 2024 study finding that men often consume more energy and protein-rich foods while women opt for fewer calories and more plant-based options. These patterns raise the question: why do girls eat less than boys? The answer is a complex blend of biology, psychology, and societal influences that shape eating behaviors from a young age.

The modern diet and weight loss market was valued at over $72 billion in 2021, yet the culture driving this industry has roots stretching back centuries. Unpacking the origins of diet culture reveals a tangled history of morality, pseudo-science, and commercial exploitation, rather than a single, easily identifiable figure.

According to the World Bank, the highest shares of consumption globally are in food, beverages, clothing, and footwear. The definition of excessive consumption refers to the use of resources, goods, and services beyond what is necessary or sustainable, often leading to negative environmental, economic, and personal consequences. This concept is complex, lacking a single unifying definition, and varies depending on the context—be it economic, environmental, or psychological.

According to the American Psychological Association, weight-based discrimination rose by an alarming 66% in one decade. The use of derogatory terms like 'being a fatty' is a symptom of this pervasive social issue, reflecting harmful biases rather than a neutral description of a person's body.