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.

Cholin spielt eine zentrale Rolle im menschlichen Stoffwechsel und ist wesentlich an Prozessen wie Oxidation, Phosphorylierung und Acetylierung beteiligt. Trotz seiner vielfältigen Funktionen ist der genaue Gesamtbestand von Cholin im menschlichen Körper bislang nicht bekannt. Die Frage, ob Cholin als essenzieller Nährstoff eingestuft werden sollte, wird weiterhin kontrovers diskutiert. Ein Cholinmangel kann erhebliche Auswirkungen auf die Lebergesundheit haben und pathophysiologische Veränderungen hervorrufen, die in Krankheiten wie der „Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease“ (MASLD), der „Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatohepatitis“ (MASH) und dem hepatozellulären Karzinom (HCC) münden können. Aktuelle therapeutische Forschungsansätze zielen auf eine gezielte Modulation des Cholin-Stoffwechsels, insbesondere bei MASLD und HCC, weisen jedoch häufig eine begrenzte Effektivität auf. Die fortschreitende Erforschung der Rolle von Cholin in der Lebergesundheit eröffnet vielversprechende Möglichkeiten für präventive und therapeutische Strategien. Mit weiterem wissenschaftlichen Fortschritt könnte Cholin eine Schlüsselrolle bei der Behandlung und Prävention von Lebererkrankungen einnehmen.