Open Access

Eating behavior is shaped by individual, societal, and cultural factors. Gender stereotypes (GS) influence the symbolic meaning of food and may play a role in dietary choices. While international research has explored these associations, empirical data from German-speaking countries is scarce. The GenderDish I study aimed to examine existing GS related to food and eating behavior through a nationwide anonymous online survey conducted in Germany in August and September 2024. A total of 1,430 individuals participated (67% female, 33% male). The 73-item questionnaire addressed taste preferences, cooking skills, dietary patterns, and gender-related food perceptions, using established instruments to assess femininity, masculinity, and social desirability. In this sample, meat, beer, and hearty meals were more commonly associated with men, while plant-based, sweet, and light foods were linked to women. Women more frequently reported vegetarian or vegan diets, greater dietary experience, and higher health awareness. In contrast, men tended to prefer spicy, fatty foods and expressed a stronger desire for muscle gain. Regarding domestic responsibilities, women more often saw themselves as primarily responsible, while men more frequently supported equal division. The sample was not representative, as most participants were female, from western Germany (>77%), childless (83%) and highly educated (44%). Additionally, as with any voluntary online survey without direct invitation to participate, self-selection bias cannot be excluded. Nevertheless, this is the first survey of its size and scope in Germany, and within this specific group, the results suggest that food-related behaviors and perceptions may still be influenced by GS in Germany, with male-associated stereotypes appearing particularly persistent. Gender-sensitive nutrition education could be a valuable approach to addressing such stereotypes and encouraging more inclusive and health-promoting eating behaviors.

Aim Since unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, risk factors for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), and diseases themselves can independently influence quality of life, lifestyle intervention programs addressing all of these may yield benefits for quality of life. This study aimed to examine the impact of the Healthy Lifestyle Community Program (HLCP-2) on quality of life in adults. Subject and methods Data stem from a 24-month, non-randomized controlled lifestyle program which aimed to improve markers of NCD risk. Overall, 187 participants were assigned to either the intervention group (IG; n = 112) receiving a 10-week intensive lifestyle intervention on plant-based diet, physical activity, stress management, and community support, followed by a 22-month alumni phase, or a control group (CG; n = 75), without intervention. Quality of life was assessed by the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire at six measurement time points. Problems in five health dimensions (“mobility”, “self-care”, “usual activities”, “pain/discomfort,” and “anxiety/depression”), a visual analogue scale on self-rated health (EQ VAS), and the German EQ-5D index were addressed. Results At baseline, 59.8% of the IG and 59.4% of the CG reported problems in ≥ 1 health dimension, with improvement in the IG at all time points. Compared to baseline, the EQ VAS increased significantly in the IG compared to CG at all time points. The mean EQ-5D index tended to improve in the IG, but changes did not differ significantly from changes in the CG. Conclusion A lifestyle community program addressing lifestyle behaviors provides benefits for participants’ self-rated health status, with the greatest effect after the intensive phase. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register DRKS (reference: DRKS00018775; 12.09.2019; retrospectively registered).