#Decrease fat level

[new-health-products-in]

African Lean Belly Dietary supplement - weight loss

Shedding Pounds and Feeling Great: My African Lean Belly Experience

For years, I struggled with stubborn belly fat. I tried countless diets and exercise routines, but the results were always temporary. Then, I came across African Lean Belly.

Skeptical But Hopeful

Initially, I was sceptical about another weight loss supplement. However, the positive reviews and the focus on natural ingredients piqued my interest. After researching the product, I decided to give it a go.

A Simple Addition to My Routine

African Lean Belly was very easy to incorporate into my daily routine. I simply took two capsules every morning with breakfast. The capsules were flavourless and easy to swallow.

Feeling the Effects

Within a few weeks, I started noticing a difference. My clothes felt looser, and I had more energy throughout the day. Most importantly, the stubborn belly fat I'd been battling for so long began to diminish

Sustainable Weight Loss

African Lean Belly wasn't a magic bullet, but it certainly helped. Combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, I've been able to achieve sustainable weight loss and keep it off.

More Than Just Weight Loss

Beyond the weight loss, I've also noticed an improvement in my overall health. I feel more confident and have a newfound zest for life.

Would I Recommend It?

Absolutely! If you're looking for a safe and effective way to lose weight and improve your health, I highly recommend African Lean Belly. It's been a game-changer for me, and I believe it can be for you too

Disclaimer:It's important to note that everyone's body is different, and what works for me may not work for everyone. It's always best to consult with your doctor before starting any new supplement.

[4theitgirls]

holistic wellness series: cycle synching

🌱 what is cycle synching?

in short, cycle synching is coordinating your lifestyle habits with the phases of your menstrual cycle.

🌱 benefits of cycle synching

cycle synching can help you optimize energy levels and improve your understanding of your cycle, which, in turn, can boost estrogen levels and even boost fertility. it can also improve your hormone balance overall, which helps ease stress and period symptoms.

the menstrual phase (days ~1-5)

exercise: since the energy is low during this phase, focus on low-impact movement. this can include yoga, walking, and stretching.

food: focus on comforting and easily digested food. soups, decaf tea, veggies (lots of greens!), etc.

the follicular phase (days ~6-14)

exercise: in this phase, energy begins to rise again. great exercise options can include moderate weight lifting or cardio, jogging, swimming, and pilates.

food: light veggies and fruit and lean protein, such as eggs, salmon, poultry (like turkey), and cheese.

the ovulatory phase (days ~15-20)

exercise: energy is the highest in this phase, so high-intensity and sweaty workouts, such as hiit or vigorous weight training are optimal here.

food: lots of fiber and water to support digestion and healthy fats such as fish, nuts, and avocado.

the luteal phase (days ~20-28)

exercise: energy begins to decrease before the cycle repeats. focus on moderate exercise such as bodyweight strength training, pilates, more intense yoga, and cardio.

food: healthy fats and lots of fiber! veggies such as sweet potato and squash, seeds, salmon, and dark chocolate are good options for this time.

[bethanythebogwitch]

Wet Beast Wednesday: cave fish

Prepare for a deep dive today. Not because I'm going to be more in-depth than usual, but because we're talking about caves. Which are deep. In the ground.... Yeah, you get it. Today is going to be a bit different from my normal WBW posts. Instead of going in depth on a particular species or group of related species I'm going to discuss common adaptations fish evolve to live permanently in caves and then go over a few species I find interesting. Let's get spelunking.

(Image: Typhleotris madagascariensis, a typical cave fish. It is a small fish with an entirely white body and smooth skin where the eyes would be on a normal fish. It is resting on rocky sediment. End ID)

Caves are not an easy place to live. There's no light, limited food, often low oxygen levels, and the threat of collapse or rockfall. Cave-swelling animals (collectively called troglofauna) need a number of special adaptations to survive and there is little room for error. Troglofauna that are strictly aquatic are called stygofauna. Troglofauna and stygofauna can be divided into three groups based on their life history. Troglophiles and stygophiles complete part of their life cycle in caves and part outside of them. A classic example of this is the many species of bat who seasonally inhabit caves to give birth and mate. Trogloxenes and stygoxenes are animals who will visit caves, but do not require time in caves to complete their life cycle. An example trogloxene would be a bear who takes shelter in a cave during winter. Finally, troglobites and stygobites live their entire lives in caves and never leave. The fish I discuss today are stygobites. Because troglobites and stygobites generally will die outside of their caves, they have very little opportunity to disperse. As such, many cave fish species are found only in a single cave or cave system and are entirely dependent on the health of their homes to survive.

(Image: two cave catfish sitting next to each other on a rock. They are white with elongated anal and rear dorsal fins, and no eyes. End ID)

Many cave-dwelling animals develop a set of common adaptations called troglomorphism. Cave water is often high in minerals but low in oxygen and food content. To survive, the fauna develop very slow metabolisms, allowing them to last a long time on limited resources while slowing down movement and other active systems and increasing age. These species are also typically smaller than their epigean (above-ground) relatives, further reducing their energy requirements. Slowed metabolism results in comparatively slow development. Cave species take much longer to mature and reproduce then related epigean species. Many species further decrease their energy consumption by moving as little as possible. Many species of cave fish are able to last long periods of time between meals without negative impacts to their health. They will binge eat whatever they can find and then subsist on fat stores while food is scarce. One test in captivity showed that a Phreatobius cisternarum (cave catfish) could go a while year between meals and stay healthy. Cave species are usually opportunistic generalists as they can't afford to pass up resources. Much of their food will originate outside of the cave, either directly or indirectly. Water flow into caves brings in algae, bacteria, plankton, and other food sources. Other more indirect methods of introducing include bat feces. While the fish may not eat the feces directly, other species may do so and potentially become prey to the cave fish. The feces also introduces nutrients from outside the cave that encourages the growth of other food sources like bacteria, fungi, and planktonic animals.

(Image: Amblyopsis hoosieri, the hoosier cave fish. It is a very simplistic fish with no eyes or scales. End ID)

Life in a cave comes with a different sensory requirement. The complete lack of light makes vision useless. You don't know dark until you've seen cave dark. Fun fact: caves are so dark that sighted people can start hallucinating in them because our brains aren't evolved to handle zero visual stimulus and will start making stuff up to fill that gap. As a result of the utter darkness, many species of cave fish are blind. They either evolve to completely lose their eyes or have the eyes considerably reduced in size and function. Eyes take up a lot of energy to maintain and in caves, there is a lot of selective pressure to get rid of organs that aren't useful there. Despite the blindness, many species retain some form of photosensitivity and will flee from light. Cave species also often lack skin pigmentation. Skin pigment has two primary uses. It protects the skin from ultraviolet light in sunlight, and provides skin coloration that can be used for camouflage, displays, warnings, and so on. In an environment where there is no ultraviolet light and everyone is blind, skin pigment serves no real purpose and is lost. As a result, most cave species are white or translucent. The lack of pigment may be a reason so many species remain photosensitive. Without pigment, they would be highly susceptible to sunburn or skin cancer from ultraviolet light. Caves also have a sound dampening effect that makes hearing less valuable. Reduced eyes and pigmentation is also seen in deep sea fish that live too deep for light to reach. Even those species still use visual curs more than cave fish due to the abundance of bioluminescence in the deep ocean.

(Image: Sinocyclocheilus longicornus, a recently discovered species. It is a fish with translucent skin, revealing the skeleton. It has a long shout with two pairs of barbels. Emerging from the upper back is a horn-like protrusion. End ID)

With vision off the table, cave fish rely on other senses. chemoreception through taste and smell are strongly selected for as traits that can direct cave animals toward food or away from threats. Another sensory system fish have is the lateral line. The Lateral line is an organ system found on each side of a fish where modified skin cells called hair cells detect motion in the water. The lateral line allows fish to sense movement in the water around them, informing them of water flow and the movement of food and threats. Cave fish typically have a well-developed lateral line system that compensates for the lack of vision. Many fish perform displays for various reasons, such as attracting mates. These displays are typically visual, but in cave fish, that isn't an option. Instead, their displays are more focused on moving the water in ways that can be detected by lateral lines. Some species of cave fish maintain additional sensory abilities from their epigean ancestors. An example of this are cave catfish, who retain the barbels and electroreception common to their kind.

(Image: six Phreatichthys andruzzii. They are long, eyeless, white fish. The blood-filled gills are visible through its translucent skin, seen as a large red patch on the head. End ID)

Before moving on to specific species, it should be noted that cave fish is not a taxonomic category. Cave fish come from many different lines of descent and independently evolved similar adaptations to cave conditions. These similar adaptations are seen in most cave fauna, not just fish, and are collectively called troglomorphism. There are about 300 species of cavefish known to science.

Ophisternon candidum, or the blind cave eel, lives in north Australian caves that are connected to the ocean. Because these caves intake salt water, the pools and streams within them can become very salty, resulting in the eels developing a tolerance to a high range of salinity. They are rare, having been spotted under 40 times since 1959, and thus little is known of their lifestyle. We do know they burrow into sediment and secrete mucus to keep those burrows stable. Males seem to build burrows to woo females. They have been bred in captivity for use un laboratories. At up to 40 cm long, they are huge for cave fish and used to hold the record for the largest species known until another species was found that's even bigger.

(Image: an eel with translucent, pink skin, no eyes, and ribs visible through the skin. It looks somewhat like an earthworm. End ID)

The actual largest known cave fish is Neolissochilus pnar, which gets up to 40 cm while being more massive than the eel. They are found in a single cave system 100 meters underground in India. The primary food source in the cave appears to be debris from the nearby forest that is washed into the cave during seasonal flooding. The fish may have been known to locals well before it was scientifically described, as there are stories of white cave fish going back over a century in the region.

(Image: a small fish with no eyes, white skin, and a long snout with barbels on it)

The Alabama cave fish (Speoplatyrhinus poulsoni) may be the rarest species of freshwater fish in the world. They live exclusively in key cave, Alabama, USA and no more than 10 have ever been seen at a time. The population is estimated to be under 100, below the generally accepted minimum viable population for a species of 200. Fittingly enough, this means a species only found in Alabama may be severely inbred. They are believed to be triggered to mate by seasonal flooding and may be mouth brooders. Climate change-caused changes to flooding and toxins leaking into the groundwater from sewers are currently threatening them with extinction.

(Image: a long, white, eyeless fish with an elongated snout. Its skeleton is visible through its skin. End ID)

Typhliasina pearsei, the Mexican blind brotula or dama blanca ciega (blind white lady), lives in the cenotes of the Yucatán peninsula. Cenotes are sinkholes filled with groundwater and the ones in the Yucatán are often connected by underground caves, rivers, and aquifers. The fish are apex predators who eat shrimp and mysids and are known to coexist with other cave fish in part of their range. As with other brotulas, they are a rare example of a bony fish that gives live birth. Because of how interconnected and numerous the cenotes are, this species has one of the largest distributions of all cave fish.

(Image: an eyeless white fish with a long tail and elongated rear dorsal and anal fins. It is next to an orange rock. End ID)

Cryptotora thamicola, the cave angel fish or waterfall climbing cave fish, is the adrenaline junkie of the cave fish world. Most cave fish live in slow-moving or still water, but this daredevil lives in rapids. But just living in rapids isn't extreme enough, these guys climb waterfalls. Their large fins with hooked fin rays let them cling onto the rocks while facing into the current. They then allow food to flow right into their mouths. Unlike other walking fish, the waterfall climbers have a well-developed pelvic girdle and walk in a style very similar to tetrapods, with front and back fins alternating strides. This has made them very interesting to evolutionary biologists studying the transition from fish to tetrapods.

(Image: a typical cave fish with very large pectoral and pelvic fins. End ID)

The Mexican tetra (Astyanax mexicanus) is an example of a handful of fish species that have a cave form and a non-cave form. Most Mexican tetras are perfectly ordinary tetras, but one population has adapted to cave living and has developed trogomorphic traits. The cave from lack pigment, has tastebuds on its head, lacks eyes, and can store more body fat. While you would expect such radical physiological differences to mean the two populations are different species, they aren't. The two populations are fully capable of producing fertile offspring and do so in the wild. If you've ever seen a cave fish in person, there's a good chance it was one of these as the cave form has entered the pet trade and they do very well in captivity, making them the most studied cave fish.

(Image: the non-cave and cave forms of the Mexican tetra seen next to each other for comparison. The non-cave form is a fairly typical silvery-green fish. The cave form is slightly more robust, white, and eyeless. End ID)

Because most cave fish are found only in a singe cave or cave system, they are fully dependent on the health of that cave. Caves tend to be very stable environments, which results in the inhabitants being pretty bad at adapting to change. Changes in water flow, introduction of new species, and pollutants can seriously harm or wipe out whole species. Many species of cave fish are rated as endangered or critically endangered based on their low populations and vulnerability to change.

[amelizscribbles]

OK, EXPLAINING DABIS SCARRING because @good-lord-not-books asked

*note these are just my hcs and some medical research

I'm putting this under a cut because it's long as hell, and I apologize in advance for any typos or if it's confusing. I have no problem explaining further♡

His scars are hypertrophic. which 1) explains the discoloration. It's what happens when the smaller blood vessels become partially or fully obstructed with scar tissue. They typcially start off pinkish or light red. (like when he woke up from his coma.)

Typically the treatment for this is laser removal. But if you don't have access the color may naturally shift with age/as it natueally heals. But with continuous damage to the areas.. the scar will get darker as the veins and tissue is further injured (the deeper into the skin and possible muscle it damages)

most hyrpertophic scarring can take a year + to heal. but obviously Dabi just keeps making his worse. The scars themselves are cause by the body over producing collagen for wound healing and not actually being able to break all of it down.

Which leaves collagen fibers in the skin to harden and thicken. Hardened skin doesn't allow much give, lessening the skins elasticity over all. Which can be shown in the way his unscarred skin pulls along the edges where the dermal rings line said scars. (my thoughts on his staples acrually being dermal rings will be at the end)

That's not even going into the nerve damage systemically for him considering hes covered in that kind of scar. So when he says he can't feel a thing it's literal as the nerve endings are shot to shit. And that is only going into skin deep level.

Interal organ nerve damage is a whole other mess due to the scaringbeing from burns. As severe enough burns cause systemic damage. (will also go into atfer the scarring part)

His skin looks TIGHT on him. If he did have and semblance of sensation in his nerves it might feel like hella tight/dry skin. Also I think hypertrophic scars are an inflammation response to the body healing.

His body is literally misshapen from it. (and yes we love him the way he is) You can see in panels where the skin is probably softer where there's lack of muscle definition but can see where it's tighter or pulling over his arms/ shoulders/ribcage because the skins elasticity is non-existent. The instances where it's sifter looking is probably due to his body trying to retain as much body fat it can to keep healthy (or as healthy as it's going to get in his state.)

As far as it going right up to his lower lids and having zero tear ducts. that man has chronic dry eye like it's nobodies business. so itchy and possibly bleeding eyes isn't a shock. he probably has several counts of grand larceny in artificial tears alone.

Ok so as for his scaring being from burns, burns affect the whole body and how it works depending on the severity.

It can effect muscle tissue/muscle mass, bone structure and interior organs.

Given he seems to be perpetually giving himself 3rd degree + burns .. his respiratory system and cardiovascular system are probably shot to shit. Just from smoke inhalation and perpetual injury. (hypertrophic scars fill the veins with scar tissue remember) Assuming how deep the burn and scar tissue goes.

But we haven't seen him with much breathing issues so I'm assuming it's whatever. He has mentioned motion sickness and we've even seen him turning down food. So I can at least go into it's affects on his GI tract.

In the GI tract, burns can result in increased gastric secretions, reduced intestinal motility, decreased nutrient absorption, increased GI mucosal permeability, bacterial translocation and increased intra-abdominal pressure. If it's bad enough he may have ulcers or gi hemorrhaging. Severe burns also cause liver and intestinal damage.

The fact that he's been alive this long is wild if he's been homeless this whole time and just committing small crimes to not die. One thing that irritates me is when people think he would be incredibly unhygienic due to the scars and such.

Like do you understand how CLEAN you have to keep burn injuries to keep them from getting infected?? Even if it's layered over already damaged and scarred skin. He might smell like burnt flesh but I doubt he's letting wounds fester.

Yes he could probably just cauterize himself but that's still just burning burn wounds. Especially with 0% health insurance. I always assumed he kept breaking into the Todoroki family home when he knew no one would be there to do basic things to make sure he didn't die on the street over the years.

Quick add on to my thoughts on his staples just being dermal rings to homd his skin together/as a form of human Kinstugi.

They (the rings) are pretty rounded in the manga, surgical staples aren't nearly that large either so I always assumed human Kinstugi regardless of metal color (between manga gold or anime silver) and it was both decorative and necessary for his skin.

I just assumed wherever the rings weren't, it was just spots he couldn't reach.

it's also shown in the manga that he's adjusting/adding more along his scars.

als, in case anyone is unfamiliar with the term Kintsugi, it's this

Kintsugi (Japanese: 金継ぎ, lit. 'golden joinery'), also known as kintsukuroi (金繕い, "golden repair"), is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending the areas of breakage with urushi lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. The method is similar to the maki-e technique. Its the Japanese philosophy that the value of an object is not in its beauty, but in its imperfections, and that these imperfections are something to celebrate, not hide.

which I think suits his character very well when his piercings and dermal rings are gold looking in some of the colored manga art.

ok, I'll shut up now, ♡

[glorysiren444]

♰ . 𝒹opamine detox & why it’s important

⠀⠀

─── first of all what is the role of dopamine .ᐣ

dopamine acts on areas of the brain to give you feelings of pleasure, satisfaction & motivation. dopamine also has a role to play in controlling memory, mood, sleep, learning, concentration, movement & other body functions.

⠀⠀

─── what is a dopamine detox (fasting) .ᐣ

dopamine detox is a form of fasting from any activities or pleasures that produce dopamine so that drive for quick rewards decreases.

⠀⠀

─── what are the benefits of doing dopamine detox .ᐣ

𝟭 . regulates your dopamine response, so your brain can function at it’s best. when dopamine level is to high it can lead to addiction, impaired decision making & mental health problem,

𝟮 . makes you feel calmer & less anxious,

𝟯 . reduce the risk of depression that social media produces by addiction & comparing your life to other people,

𝟰 . boost your sleep quality & academic performance,

remember: benefits will always depending on the person, so do NOT compare to each other ♥︎

⠀⠀

─── what to avoid during dopamine detox .ᐣ

social media: spending endless time scrolling, liking, & commenting on social media platforms can really mess with our brains because of these little dopamine hits what keep us addicted,

gaming: especially avoid the super stimulating ones. they send our dopamine levels through the roof & make it hard to pay attention to real-life stuff,

eating junk food: high-sugar & high-fat food destroy your eating habits & body, including brain,

caffeine: it gives us that kick, but it also stimulates dopamine, which is why we gotta be mindful of our caffeine intake during a detox,

nicotine, alcohol & drugs: do i really have to explain?

watching shows: binge-watching your favorite tv shows it’s amazing way to spend time & flood your brain with too much dopamine,

⠀⠀

─── how to create a detox-friendly environment .ᐣ

𝟭 . designing a digital detox space

set up an environment that minimizes digital distractions. you can do this by creating a dedicated workspace or relaxation area where you limit or eliminate access to digital devices,

𝟮 . mindful nutrition

it’s important to choose foods that help maintain balanced dopamine levels. this might involve consuming foods rich in precursors like tyrosine (found in lean proteins), clean food & nutrients like antioxidants (found in fruits and vegetables) to support overall brain health and function,

𝟯 . engaging in low-stimulus activities

low-stimulus or low-dopamine activities are those that don't trigger excessive dopamine release. examples include meditation, gentle exercise, reading, or spending time in nature. engaging in these activities during your detox helps maintain a calmer & more focused state of mind, making it easier to resist the allure of high-dopamine behaviors & substances.

creating a detox-friendly environment is crucial to supports your efforts to reduce the impact of overstimulation on your brain's reward system. it sets the stage for a healthier lifestyle and a more balanced relationship with activities that can lead to excessive dopamine release.

─── with 𝑙ove, 𝓋ittoria ♥︎

[fullofseoul]

Fasting Zones

Whilst fasting I decided to do some research into fasting and the different zones so that I could understand how to lose more weight whilst on a fast and wanted to share it with everyone. 

I’m not promoting fasting in any way but I realise a lot of us do it and I want people to be informed and stay safe. Remember to keep yourself hydrated on a fast, drink some water or 0 cal drinks and please take a break if you start to feel sick or dizzy. You come first. 

Anabolic - 0-4hrs

This zone lasts 4 hours on average and is usually spent processing the last meal you ate. After your body breaks down the carbs, protein and fat into glucose, amino acids and fatty acids your body converts this into energy for later use. People who snack a lot or have frequent meals usually spend most hours of the day in this state. 

Depending on your diet and activity levels you can decrease this time, moving into the next zone faster, such as the fat burning zone. 

Catabolic - 4-16hrs

This zone lasts 12 hours on average where the body’s blood glucose and insulin levels drop and you’ll start to use up the stored glycogen and fat for energy, this is called the breakdown state. Glucose is still the primary fuel source in this state, however when your glycogen reserves are nearing empty, you’ll start using fat. 

Depending on how active you are during the day, doing exercise during this time will use up the glycogen stores quicker, moving you into the next zone.

Fat Burning - 16-24hrs

Whilst your body may always be burning fat, this zone is where it accelerates. Your body will now be in fat burning mode. Your body will always use some amount of glucose however it is now more dependant on fatty acids for fuel. Your brain still needs glucose to function, any glucose still being produced within the body will primarily be used by the brain whilst the rest of the body relies on fat for fuel. 

Ketosis - 24-72hrs

Your fast is now a multi-day fast. Exercise can accelerate the transition into this zone. Your primary fuel source is fatty acids and ketone bodies plus glucose. The body now relies more and more on fat and ketone bodies in this state and will prioritise burning fatty acids with ketone bodies being spared for the brain. 

Ketone bodies: this refers to 3 molecule types acetone, acetoacetate and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Acetoacetate and BHB can be used for energy production. 

It is suggested that a healthy fast end after 3 days due to health risks. Take a break, eat a meal, drink lots of water and rest. You did well to reach three days, don’t risk your health. 

Deep Ketosis - 3+ Days

The body is now in a prolonged fasting zone. After day 3, glucose and insulin levels stay low and hunger will stay suppressed. You’ll see a decrease in IGF-1 a hormone involved in growth and development. Insulin and Glucose production will fall around 30% or more. 

[bolshefem]

if you think people are more empathetic to women than men you are straight up fucking delusional. men have proved themself almost INCAPABLE of empathy for women, and this is statistically and empirically supported. they are incapable of understanding that women have an internal life, do not see us as humans with emotions who exist external to them. look at the comments on a post of a man talking about self harm vs a woman. "men's mental health matters too🥺" "I'm proud of you" vs "attention whore" "sideways for attention downwards for results" "ugly bitch trying to get sympathy"

this is what happens for ANYTHING regarding sexual assault, mental health, suffering, trauma.

or an overweight man vs woman "keep your head up king👑" "you got this bro, I believe in you" "these women don't deserve you." (like totally unprompted not discussing relationships) Or often no comments on his weight at all if he's not talking about it. For a woman, no matter WHAT she is posting about "landwhale" "starve yourself" "put down the burger" "kys fat b*tch" and the most vile and insanely cruel comments The amount of threads and forums dedicated to eviscerating degrading and insulting overweight women on places like lolcow and kiwi farms and just social media in general and I genuinely have never seen one for a man. Same thing with things like facial deformities, the comments are unbelievably cruel to these women.

the level of vitriol is not even remotely comparable, and I don't even think it's mostly a double standard. I think they just lack the capacity to feel empathy towards women and perceive them as human and capable of feeling pain. Things are solely perceived in how they relate to them and thought to be performances for men. Women exist to serve them and if they don't give them a boner they don't deserve to be alive. If something, no matter how innocuous, pisses them off in the slightest they don't have a single qualm because they just don't view them as real people and full human beings with internal lives. women having emotions is inherently manipulative, anything they say or do is a performance for men. And like look at things such as the gender credibility gap https://www.tedxmilehigh.com/gender-credibility-gap/ Women are systematically less believed as witnesses in a courtroom, reporters, academic authorities, in claims of sexual assault, discrimination, or harassment.*

Women's reports of pain symptoms are less likely to be believed by doctors, and they are staggering more likely to not receive proper medication, go undiagnosed and untreated. Women are 32% more likely to die post-op if their surgeon is a man. "Womens' pain not taken as seriously as mens' pain. Researchers found that when male and female patients expressed the same amount of pain, observers viewed female patients' pain as less intense "(sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/04/210406164124.htm) "Nearly three-quarters of cases where a disease primarily affects one gender, the so-called “men's diseases” are overfunded, while the “women's diseases” are dramatically underfunded."

https://www.concernusa.org/story/gender-bias-in-healthcare/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/interactive/2022/women-pain-gender-bias-doctors/ https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/gender-bias-in-medical-diagnosis#how-does-it-affect-diagnosis https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/women-and-pain-disparities-in-experience-and-treatment-2017100912562 I could literally go on on this topic forever. The gender empathy gap is a form of epistemic violence against women.

* "Suicidal behaviour and self-harm in women can be viewed by family, health professionals and the community as attention-seeking, manipulative and non-serious, which can negatively influence how young women are treated." (Curtis, 2016) *Men with overweight tend to be perceived as wise or experienced, while women's credibility tends to decrease with excess weight... women seem to experience higher levels of weight stigmatization than men, even at lower levels of excess weight (Flint et al., 2016)

*Women are at greater risk for weight/height discrimination than men (Puhl et al, 2008)

*so many papers on this but "Across the board, women are perceived to be less credible than men. Especially women’s testimonies of rape and sexual harassment are widely trivialized and disregarded, even though reports of sexual abuse are not more likely to be false than reports of other crimes" (Schreurs, 2020) more like Mack, 1993

[mymalebulk]

Trial 3 notes:

Subject has volunteered to undergo experimental growth treatment.

After the subject was informed of the risks, provided consent and agreed to perform regular check-ins, treatment started.

Initial check-ins reveal very positive results. Subject shows great increase in lean muscle tissue.

Subject reports increased hunger, energy levels and libido. [He's a huge flirt, pun intended, but that would definitely breach ethics.]

Dosages and food intake will be increased.

Subject has continued to grow... a lot. He's expressed gratitude for being included in the trial admitting that he's "always wanted to be big".

Subject reported constant hunger and horniness. [He frequently tries, and fails, to hide his arousal. I think that's grown too! It's getting really hard to focus around him with all that beef.]

Dosages and food intake will be further increased.

Subject's latest check-ins revealed explosive growth. Significant increases in muscle and body fat. Even increases in height! [His body is incredible!]

Subject shows decreased mobility and reports decreased ability to perform activities of daily living. This constitutes an adverse event... again.

Following procedure, all treatment will be stopped. Subject will continue to check in for monitoring.

Despite stopping treatment, subject keeps growing. [It's amazing!] No normal clothes fit him. Like the previous cases, subject will have to be moved to the facility for observation and 24/7 care.

Subject seems in good spirits however and is excited by the unlimited food, gym access and other services at the facility. I volunteered to collect his personal effects to make him more comfortable. [Found out we have a lot in common. Maybe, now that he's at the facility permanently (he's way too big for normal life), this could be the start of something between us. Ethics be damned.]

Final entry:

Subject [his name is Henry] has settled into life at the facility well. He continues to grow thicker, stronger, and bigger everyday. Without the treatment, his expansion has slowed, however his body has been permanently altered to always be in a slow, but steady, state of growth.

I make sure to take care of all his needs. [We can hardly keep our hands off each other. My boyfriend is a fucking beast!]

Trial 3 is complete, preparations for Trial 4 are underway. [Maybe this time, I'll participate.]

[prettieinpink]

do you have a diet guideline and exercise routine? i'm having trouble figuring out what exactly i should be eating aside from people's vague "fiber and vegetables or whatever". And finding an exercise routine that works and i can actually make myself stick with and keep myself motivated with. Any tips/advice? thanks!

CREATING DIET & EXERCISE GUIDELINES

CREATING YOUR DIET

Determine how many calories you need daily. Your daily caloric intake depends on your age, sex, weight, height, and activity level. Some online calculators can help you with like this. However, if you’re calculating it, make sure to consider your activity levels.

Then, determine how much of what nutrients you need. If you’re lacking in one, you may want to increase the intake of that nutrient. Or, if you think you eat too much of it, you may decrease this. 

The best way to find out what nutrients you need is by a calculator. However, the best form of action is to ask your GP what they advise you. Here are the formulas;

Calculate your protein intake 10-30% of total calories (for adults)

Amount of fats - 20-35% of total calories (for adults)

Consumption of carbohydrates 45-65% of total calories

Recommended water intake 1 kcal = 1 mL

Number of grams of fibre Fiber = (kcal/1000) × 14

Limit processed foods, sodium, sugars and saturated fats as much as you can. While it is okay to eat them in moderation, they shouldn’t be a part of your daily diet.

To create healthy meals that are suited to you, consider your daily lifestyle and what times you feel hungry the most. While I cannot speak for your needs, this is typically what your meals should look like.

BREAKFAST - Breakfast should not be anything processed or fatty. It is the meal you break your 8-hour fast with, and it is the energy you use for the rest of the day. 

The most ideal breakfast is one that is protein-rich, as it can help you be more productive throughout the day. 

LUNCH - A lean, light but colourful meal is best suited for lunch. This shouldn’t be too filling, but enough so it can sustain your hunger until dinner. 

Lunch should be a meal that has lots of veggies or fruits that can energise you as well. 

DINNER - I don’t want to sound forceful, but dinner should be your healthiest meal. This is the energy that your body uses to recover and heal from the day you’ve just had. 

It should be balanced with complex carbs, vegetables and proteins. However, for dinner, it is advised that you either eat early or eat small. 

SNACKS - Light snacks that are filling. Avoid snacks in which you mindlessly eat them, those are the type of snacks which are most likely not good for you and you’ll end up overeating. Fruits are the best choice here. 

This is a diagram I use often to measure how much food I need to eat without weighing them or counting calories. To be precise;

Vegetables or/and fruit should be ½ of your plate

Proteins should be ¼ of your plate

Grains/Carbs should be ¼ of your plate. 

Adjust this to your liking, but I thought it would help you. 

CREATING YOUR EXERCISE GUIDELINES

This is a process that does not happen overnight, even if you want to start running kilometres a day if you’re living a sedentary life currently, that is not possible. 

Start by finding small intervals in your day to exercise, experimenting around and documenting how each one makes you feel. For now, just try to figure out what you like and form the consistency, 

Then, once you get the hang of exercising regularly, you get to make your own rules. For example, your rest days, how many minutes or hours, what you do that day etc. 

Exercise is just another way to fuel your body, and you only know your body and what feels good for it. So I cannot provide any further advice than this. Make sure to start slowly though. 

[napfordinner]

My lovely friends, this is a friendly evidence-based post pertaining to the risk reduction of a few well-known health effects of 4n4 and mia. Including: Amenorrhea (loss of regular menstrual period), anaemia, digestive upset, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, general well-being, and osteoporosis. It is quite a long post, but please let me know if there’s any other information you would like me to cover. 💕

🪐 Vitamins and Supplements:

• A-Z Multivitamin. Is beneficial for supplementation. For example, Vitamin C is a vitally important vitamin for the body’s connective tissues, including the maintenance of healthy bones and teeth, cellular formation and maturation, resistance to infection, and an increased ability to heal. Additionally, B12 contributes to an adequately functioning nervous system, bone marrow, and intestinal tract. It also acts to increase metabolism of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Finally vitamin B2 when combined with Vitamin A promotes good vision and healthy skin, as well as assists in metabolising proteins and fats at a cellular level.

• Calcium and Vitamin D. Seek a preparation which offers 1000mg of calcium and 10-20mcg (400-800 iu) of vitamin D. Vitamin D increases the bodies efficacy during the absorption, retention, and metabolising of calcium. Calcium of course being vital for bone integrity and imperative for the prevention of osteopenia/osteoporosis.

• Iron. An appropriate iron intake will restore the functionality of red blood cells, allowing the proper oxygen transportation around the body, increase focus, energy, athletic performance, and sleep. Having a sufficient iron store will alleviate some commonly experienced symptoms of low iron including fatigue, dizziness, pallor, and shortness of breath. It may also reduce the sensation of cold hands and feet.

• Potassium and Zinc. A lack of zinc impairs the ability to smell and taste. Connecting this impairment to nose blindness. For example, a lack of a sense of smell and taste may impair one’s own ability to detect their own bad breath, BO, and other unpleasant smells that others may be able to detect.

• Omega 3’s - Fish oil, Krill oil, Hemp oil, or Flaxseed oil. Improper dietary intake, or supplementation of omega 3 fatty acids will result in areas of epidermal (skin) dryness, hyperkeratosis, and hyperpigmentation. As well as the formation large scales expose underlying tissue, which are easily infected. The hair becomes sparse, dry, lusterless, and brittle, with a reddish tinge. Furthermore, nails become brittle and dull, tear production reduces, the tears are also significantly less oily leading to increased evaporation contributing to chronically dry, red, and itchy eyes.

If oil supplements are scary for you to intake due to calorie fears (there is only approx 25 calories in 2 average fish oil capsules). There are dietary sources of omega 3 that are relatively low calorie including chia seeds, edamame, and seaweed. However they provide little amounts in comparison to supplementation or traditional dietary sources such as fish, avocado, oils etc.

However this should also be considered when deciding whether to supplement omega 3’s - they stimulate the secretion of leptin, a hormone that decreases appetite and promotes the burning of fat. Through the enabling of conversion of dietary fats into body cells for burning as fuel.

🍄 Dietary Intake

•Bone broth (or vegetable broth if meat is not apart of your diet ☺️) I cannot stress how great bone broth is! Extremely low calorie, but incredibly nutrient-dense. It also acts to decrease the inflammation within the gut that many of us will experience due to our dietary habits. Including conditions such as constipation, gastroparesis, liver disease, bloating, abdominal pain, and stomach ulceration.

Bone broth also contains large amounts of protein, collagen, iron, vitamins A and K, fatty acids, selenium, zinc, and manganese. Protein being the most satiating macronutrient can decrease hunger and associated discomfort. Collagen and the variety of micronutrients within the bone broth contributes to joint and bone health. Bone broth will also contribute to hydration.

•Nutrient-dense foods including blueberries l are among the best sources of anthocyanins (antioxidants) that promote brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Additionally, red tomatoes and red capsicum (Peppers). Tomatoes are the richest source of lycopene, which is a type of carotenoid found in red fruits that has powerful antioxidant effect that may help protect against heart disease and certain types of cancer.

•Fibre is imperative for smooth gastrointestinal function, including regular bowel movements. Fibre is of course typically found in whole fruits and vegetables, beans/lentils, and whole grains. Low calorie fibre sources include: red kidney beans, carrot, and chickpeas. Psyllium, chia seeds are also good sources of fibre. Fibre supplants such as Metamucil may also aid to increase fibre intake. An adequate intake of fibre may reduce the dependence of laxative for bowel movements. Prolonged use of laxatives may create a dependency on them to even have a bowel movement.

🥥 Adequate Hydration

• The best way to ensure adequate hydration is simply by consuming enough water during the day. However, if plain water consumption is difficult, fluid intake will also suffice. Including fluid such as teas, flavoured/enhanced water, diet soft drinks, juices, etc. The optimal fluids to consume in addition to, or instead of simple water to ensure adequate hydration is mineral water, coconut water, or diet electrolyte replacements (Powerade/Gatorade, Pedialyte, Hydralyte). Correct hydration and electrolyte intake will reduce headaches, constipation, and muscle cramps/weakness.

❤️ Reproductive Health

•Amenorrhea is a common experience for those of us with a uterus. However it is imperative to understand that you are more than likely still ovulating despite the lack of a regular menstrual period. Therefore, contraception must still be used. Amenorrhea may be alleviated through dietary supplementation and small changes to the diet to include more micronutrients, but it may not be completely fixed unless there is an increase to body fat percentages.

[thebunnybabyblog]

Late night visit (snape x reader 18+)

Severus planned for a boring but peaceful night alone when a sudden intrusion caused for his night to be turned upside down 🖤

Word count: 5717

Category: smut and fluff

Warnings?: drunk sex but there is assumed consent as they are very much a couple in love but plz irl make sure your partner is safe! And the tiny use of daddy, only a few lines use the word so it’s not a daddy dom type fic! Anyway enjoy!

Severus settled into his favorite reading chair with a freshly brewed cup of tea. y/n had been on him to start taking time for himself and decrease his stress levels. So, she had popped into a fancy little tea shop in London on her last outing and purchased a container of lavender Earl gray tea the shop woman recommended. It was about 11 when he had finally decided to put down his work and take her up on her advice to relax and try to settle in with a cup and a book that wasn’t potions related.

He always felt guilty if he wasn’t working when he was alone, felt as if he was wasting time if it was for his enjoyment, but her words from earlier in the day passed through his mind. “Sevvie please, it’s Saturday, don’t drown in your research until you pass out.” Normally she would be by his side on a Saturday evening but tonight she was off with her girlfriends as one seemed to be getting married and she was tasked to help throw a bachelorette party.

She wasn’t much of a “party girl” so he was shocked when she had told him about it. Not like he didn’t want her to go or anything like that, she was entitled to a life outside of his dungeon, but more because she wasn’t a big drinker. She normally chose to be curled up like a cat lounging no matter if it was home alone or over at Severus’ place.

It took Severus about an hour to finally get comfortable and push down his looming guilt of not being productive to finally get into his novel. He had decided to pick out the Henry James novel The Turn of the Screw, a classic horror novel filled with psychological horror and madness. Really, a perfect book for him other than the textbooks that he liked to read as if he was a kid with comics.

As it was a shorter novel and him being such a fast reader it took him only about an hour and a half to finish. He looked over to the clock on the wall and it was almost 12:30. He wondered how y/n was getting on, “I hope she’s safe” had crossed his mind many times that night. Like before he was fine with her being out, she was an adult and he wasn’t her father but it didn’t stop him from being concerned. He wasn’t worried about her doing something wrong, he was worried about the people who lurked in the shadows. He bounced his leg nervously, just sat in his chair not knowing what to do now. He thought he might as well get ready for bed as he wasn’t going to get any real comfort until he saw her in the evening tomorrow.

He pushed himself up and out of his chair and made his way to the bathroom for his nightly rituals. He had changed out his clothes for his pajamas and was half way through brushing his teeth when he heard a crash from downstairs. He jumped by the sudden commotion and quickly spit and dropped his toothbrush in favor of his wand that was sitting on the pile of discarded clothes on the floor. Barreling down the staircase ready to blast whoever dared break into his home, he stopped dead in his warpath to be met with a very intoxicated y/a who had somehow managed to stumble in and fall directly into the table he had by the front door, knocking over books and a large vase in the process.

“Y/n! Good heavens are you ok?!” He exclaimed as he rushed down the last few steps. “What are you doing here? How did you even get here?” Many questions were being rushed to her drunken mind that she didn’t even know how to respond. He quickly crouched down to her side and noticed she had fat tears welling up in her eyes. “I…. I’m s-sorry *hick* I just wan*hick*ted to seeee you” she cried, slurring her words. He couldn’t help but soften as he heard her little pathetic cries below his looming figure.

He had actually never even seen her drink before so never knew what type of “drunk” she was. She was just so helpless before him. “I’m sorry I broke *hick* your table sevvie” she cried to him, now with her face hard into his chest. He liked to pretend that he hated it when she called him “sevvie” but he really loved it and hearing it coming from her drunk mouth made his heart beat fast. “Shhh my dear it is only a table, it can be easily picked up and fixed. No real harm done.” He consoled her with a gentle hand petting her head.

While he held her he looked up to the door and noticed the many locks were all still secured and he furrowed his brow in confusion. “Y/n… how did you even get in here?” He asked. “Please don’t be mad Sevvie…*hick* I just wanted to see you real bad” she pleaded into his chest. Right then he knew exactly what she had done. “Oh Merlin y/n, you didn’t apparate here did you? In such a drunken state, you could have sliced yourself in half!” He scolded, not meaning to come off as angry but he had a bad habit of not conveying his tone correctly. She didn’t even reply with words but with more, now louder, sobs into his shirt.

He knew that scolding her in this state was not the right thing to do and quickly tried to remedy the situation with more petting and soothing words “shhh it’s ok I’m sorry, Sevvie didn’t mean to yell, it’s ok shhhh.” They stayed there a few moments just rocked back and forth as her cries calmed and now were down to a few sniffles. As much as situations that were caused by big emotions made him feel completely uncomfortable, he couldn't help but to feel good in this moment. In her drunken state all she could think about was coming to him. He would do anything for her and if that meant sitting on the floor by the front door with books and pieces of vase scattered across the floor then that’s what he would do.

“Here, let's get you upstairs and cleaned up. We can worry about this mess in the morning.” He said in a smooth tone trying to not get her crying again. He stood up and held onto her arms to get her to her feet, she stumbled lightly and fell into his chest. He loved the close contact that continued to be bestowed on him. “I’m sorryyyyy!” She cried as she looked up to him with her tear stained cheeks clearly on the verge of crying again. He had his answer from before on what type of drunk she’d be and she clearly was an emotional one. He wondered if this was the reason she preferred not to drink around him at all.

“Darling it’s quite alright let me just help you up the stairs.” He said as he scooped her up in his arms bridal style. She went up in a fit of giggles tightly gripping her arms around his neck. It was good to hear her laugh instead of her continuing sobs. “See that’s much better I only want to hear your laughter the rest of the night, no more crying.” He said in a fake strict tone but sly smile. She looked up to him with bright cheeks. She nuzzled her head into his neck and they made their way up to the bathroom to get her cleaned up.

He didn’t know if her smeared makeup was completely due to her fits of crying or also because of whatever wild antics her and her girlfriends got up to earlier in the evening. He knew now was not the best time to be asking too many questions but he couldn’t help himself not to pry a tiny bit. He sat her down on the closed toilet and moved over to the sink and got a warm washcloth prepared. Moving to sit on the edge of the tub adjacent to her he began to gently wipe her face.

“So my love, did you have fun this evening?” He asked, trying to lighten the mood. “Oh yeah! We went to this bar that we ummm went to in college” she trailed off “mmmmmm this feels goooood” he couldn’t help but to chuckle as she pushed her face more into his touch. “You touch me soooo good Sevvie” she hummed. Severus’ eyes widened a bit and he cleared his throat. It’s not like she had never said that to him but still compliments and especially double meaning compliments made his heart race.

“Here, you sit right here and I'll bring you your pajamas. How does that sound?” He asked as he brushed some hair behind her ear. “Mmm yeah please sevviest snapeeee, hehehe sevviest like severus but sevvie hehe get it… ” She laughed as if it was the funniest joke on the planet. He just looked at her desperately trying to stifle the laughter that was bubbling inside him. “Yes, quite funny indeed my love.” he replied back to her. “oh!! The pink pair pleaseeeeeee!!” “Your wish is my command.”

He never thought in a million years would he see a drunk y/n disheveled and giggling, sitting in his bathroom at 1 am. He thought he’d have a pretty boring night filled with quiet solitude and unamusement but now he was striffiling through her drawer she claimed in his dresser for a particular pair of pajamas with a little white bunny plastered on the front. He had actually gotten these for her as a little gift when she was given the drawer and a key to his home. He was very nervous giving her that much access to his life but he grew to really miss her when she was gone and didn’t value the alone time as he once did.

He made it back to the bathroom with her retrieved items to be met with, nothing. She had made a break for it. “Y/n? Darling where have you run off to?” He turned around and continued down the hall to check his study for his vanishing act. It was easy enough to find her as all he had to do was follow the trail of clothes that led him to his office door. “Umm y/n are you in here?” He said as he slowly opened the door.

He was met with the sight of y/n standing in just a bra and panties warming herself by the still lit fireplace. “Oh Merlin…” he thought to himself as he saw her glowing in front of him. “Sevvie! There you are! I wondered where you ran off to!! You were gone for ages!!” She exclaimed while wrapping her arms enthusiastically around his neck. “You left me all aloneeeee after it took me so long to finally find you I’m hurt!” Y/n said in a huff

“What do you mean it took so long to find me?” He asked puzzled. “Welllll i accidentally ended it a few spots before i landed on your table” she looked up shyly “I’m gonna have to apologize to one very angry neighbor lady tomorrow.” At this point he couldn’t hide his laugh and sent out brighter laughter around the room. “Sevvieeeee don’t laugh at meeeeeee.” She squealed and she swung about.

He couldn’t help but to grab on to her waist for support and remembered just how almost nude she was. “My love, why did you undress?” He asked. “Ohhhhhh I donno. Maybe I didn’t wanna wait for you to do it for me.” She suddenly let go of his neck and pushed him back into his reading chair. He stumbled back in surprise as she had never been forceful with him before. Before he could make sense of the situation she had straddled his lap.

“What the? Y/n what has gotten into you?” He laughs out. She started peppering his face with little kisses, giggling with every single one. She was gripping the sides of his face and as she pulled away from the kisses she looked down to him with heart eyes. “My sevvie is sooooo beautiful. My beautiful handsome pretty boyfriend!” She squished his cheeks while she spewed out compliments. He couldn’t help but blush at her drunken proclamations and he loved hearing her call him her boyfriend.

“Sev I just love you so so so much why and how did I get so lucky! I just wanna kiss you forever and ever!” She exclaimed before she started another assault to his face. Severus couldn’t lie he was having a very hard time controlling himself at this very moment. He had his beautiful girlfriend straddling him in front of a roaring fire half naked shouting to the heavens on how lucky she was to be so in love with him.

His mind was filling up with many thoughts that were the opposite of putting her back into clothes but he still had a sting of guilt that was swaying him to stop. “My love as much as I am very madly deeply in love with what is happening right now, I think we should stop.” He said with a tone that implied he really hated having to say it. She looked down at him with her big sad eyes “but sevvieeee I’ve been dying all night to come back to you!” She protested, leaning down to rest her face by his neck. “I need you sooo so bad!” She whined into his ear, her breath tickling his skin. He felt a shiver wash over him and his skin covered in goosebumps to the sensation and her seductive tone.

He was struggling hard to fight off his urges to just push her right to the floor and devour her whole. “Listen my love you are drunk it would be improper to continue this as much as I absolutely would love too.” He said while again pushing her hair behind her ear. She couldn’t help but nuzzle into his soft touch. “But sevvie I thought about you all night even when I wasn’t even drunk yet.” She cooed. “Is that so?” He asked in a hum. “Yes I couldn’t stop thinking about you all night. With Shara getting married I couldn’t help but think about how I want to be locked away with you for the rest of my life. Just right here, placed in your big soft lap.” Her hips wiggled playfully against him and her breath danced along his neck.

He couldn’t help but close his eyes and lean his head back to the double stimulation. “My love you are treading dangerously close to me, not being able to control myself.” He warned her. “Maybe I want you to lose control on me?” She licked up his neck in a seductively slow pace finally resting on his earlobe with a nibble. She knew exactly what buttons to push to send him over the edge. Sober or drunk she would let this man do anything he wanted to her, just to be underneath him was a reward from the gods to her.

His hands met her waist and pulled her hips to press her hard against him. “Don’t ask for something you might regret darling.” She looked down to him and with fluttering eyes cooed “but sir you have never been a regret only a reward to me.” And brushed her lips against his. He was pushed to his limits, something in him snapped and his eyes went dark.

He flew to his feet with her still straddled around him. She squeaked in surprise. Before she knew it her back was against the wall and her lips were being assaulted with deep passionate kisses. Moaning against his lips, a fire was building up inside her, so was desperate and needy for his touch. He moved to her neck and left rows of kisses, nibbles and sucks on her sensitive skin. “Oh gods Sev it feels so good. I need you so bad it hurts Sev so so bad mmmm yes!” She was practically vibrating underneath him.

Moving away with her from the wall he made his way through the door. “Sevvieeeee where are we going?” She called out in his clutches. “I’m going to ravage you properly right on our bed.” She couldn’t help but feel her heart pound to the words “our bed”. She couldn’t wait so she continued the fiery kisses to his lips and neck as the stumbled down the long hallway.

They bursted into the bedroom and before she knew it she was thrown atop of the plush bedding. She looked up to her powerful man and felt a twinge between her legs. He was so dominant looking above her. His hair disheveled and lips plumb from their feverish kissing. “Please just do dirty things to me, I can't stand it” she said to his looming figure. Without words he hooked his slender fingers underneath her panties and pulled them down hard, leaving her pussy exposed to him. She couldn’t help but moan to the sudden exposure and roughness.

“Mmm I love it when you get rough with me.” She moaned “oh really? Is that how you like it my dear?” He kneeled down on the bed with her naked core under him and leaned down close to her ear. “You like it when daddy gets rough with you?” She could tell right then she was done for because Severus wasn’t one to call himself by other names especially something like daddy. All she could do was moan from him sultry words but this wasn’t good enough for him. If she wanted to play this game she was going to play by his rules.

“If you want daddy to play with you my love, then you need to speak when I ask you a question.” He snapped as he grabbed her chin to look at him. Her eyes were wide and the heat was past building, it was boiling out of her. “Mmm yes sir I’m sorry sir.” She said to him as pure and innocent as she could. “Such a good girl for me,” his hand began to travel down her side and he made circles around her thighs. So close to where she was practically begging for him to touch. “Now like I said before, do you like it when daddys rough with you baby?” “Oh gods yes!”

With that he shoved his rough fingers into her core and went to work on what she was so desperate for. The room quickly filled with her moans and the sound of her wet pussy sucking his fingers in. He sucked along her neck and moaned into her skin, the sounds she was already making were driving him wild. She was coming undone underneath him already. Without stopping the rampage on her core he moved his way down her body until he was in sight of the sweet prize between her legs.

He could now see just how wet and dripping she was, it was already leaving a mess on his bedding. He couldn’t stop himself from taking a taste of the sweet honey she was producing just for him. “Mmmm o….oh gods yes! Please yes! I’ve wanted you to eat my pussy all night! Please mmmmm” Her hands found their way to his head and pulled him even closer while bucking her hips into his mouth.

Her neediness was fueling his lust as if it was a fire to dynamite. He moaned hard around her clit lapping in all of her juices as his fingers continued their assault. His cock was pressed hard against the bed and he found himself bucking against the sheets just to find a morsel of relief. Her taste was driving him crazy, the way her moans were filling the room were sending him into overdrive. He just wanted to do anything for her at this moment to make her feel even an ounce of what she makes him feel.

He could tell she was close, her breathing was erratic, her hands couldn’t find a place to sit, her pussy was throbbing around him. She was in pure ecstasy and it was all because of him. “Sev oh gods Sev- I….I don’t know how much longer, oh fuck, I can hold!” Her hands shot back to his hair pulling him hard against her. He was so close now he couldn’t breathe but he didn’t care, he could die right then and there and he would die the happiest man in this galaxy.

He sucked her clit hard into his mouth and he hooked his fingers in just the right way that pressed the soft spot deep inside her. She was a wild animal underneath him; he had to hook his free arm around her thigh to keep her right where he needed her. “C….cum!! I’m gonna-” her sentence was cut short with a loud and desperate scream to the heavens.

He released her limp body from his grasp and removed his fingers but left a few more licks and kisses to her drenched core trying to take in as much of her as possible. “How was that my love? Did sevvie make you feel good?” He asked with a wet smile. She could only hum in response as her breath was ragged and she had turned to goo in his bedding.

He thought of getting rough with her for forgetting to speak when spoken to but he quickly decided to let it slid as she just looked so fucking cute. A complete and total mess sprawled out just for him. “My love, I'll be right back, let me get a washcloth for you.” He wasn’t even worried for his own release; he was happy to just give his angel what she was so desperate for.

He turned to retrieve a washcloth from the bathroom but was stopped when he felt a hand take a fist full of the back of his shirt. He was pulled down to the bed on his back, “oh no you don’t! You think I just wanted to cum? You are wrong, mister! I want your cum!” She shouted down to him as she began to straddle his still raging erection. The fabric of his pants were rough against her sensitive core as she ground her hips hard over him. Her hands placed against his chest to find support in her wild grinding.

Severus sucked the room's hot air in between his teeth and he clenched his eyes tightly as the sudden sensation of her above him was sending pin pricks all over his body. “You want my cum my love? Is that what you have truly been on the pursuit of?” He said almost breathlessly. “Well free me and take it all.” Practically begging as he needed this just as much as her.

She didn’t hesitate in her drunken haze to finally free the prize she had been pining after the entirety of the night. Earlier in the evening the idea of being married to Severus made her hair stand on end. Being together forever unrestricted from one another never having to leave to go sleep in her own bed somewhere else. She just wanted, no she needed, him for the rest of her days.

She looked down at his swollen, slick member with heart filled eyes as if she was looking at God themself. “Sevvieeeeee do you understand how deeply and madly obsessed I am with you?” She cooed, grabbing ahold of him by the base slowly churning upwards. A mix of her words and movements sent stars floating around his head. His hands found their way to the soft flesh of her thighs that kept his body tightly in place.

No matter how many times he would go to bed with her, the sight of her naked frame in soft candle light made him feel as if he was hallucinating. Always afraid one day he would awaken cold and alone in his bed, with no traces of her ever even existing. He couldn’t believe someone could actually be truly in love with him and crave his touch, soul and body; but here she was, placed upon him in complete and utter desire and love.

She had completely lubricated him with the copious amount of precum he had produced while pumping himself against the mattress. She looked down at his blushed face and like a feral animal pounced herself down on him without words. She was already so wet and ready for him she slipped down with no hesitation. “Gods… FUCK!” He yelled out to the heavens.

His eyes shut tightly and his head pressed hard into the sheets, he could feel her already pulsing around him. The feeling of her melting into him as they became one. Fully inside her, she ground her pelvis into him. She could feel his dark hair brush against her core, adding a tickling sensation to the already overwhelming pressure.

“God Sev you fill me up so full, I think about your cock all day when you’re not around.” She breathed out while looking down into his eyes. He didn’t even know how to respond, she was always so shy, normally, when they had sex he had to tease the words out of her. But here she was towering over him, freely offering up words full of lust straight from the deep parts of her brain, looking him right into his soul.

He felt like a shy teen boy having sex for the first time. He hadn’t felt like this in ages as he was always the dominant one and usually would only prefer that; but, right here right now, he would let this wild woman rip his heart out of his chest and serve it to him on a platter. His body was starting to just do things without his brain even telling it to.

Hands roamed her sweat kissed skin and found comfort along her waist as his hips started to buck into her. Her head shot back looking high up to the ceiling, her breasts bouncing hard now above him. Her wild moans echoed off the walls and through Severus, it’s as if he could feel them rumble around in his chest. Watching her filled with so much ecstasy, like she had become a little sex nymph.

“Se-sevvvvv p-pleaseeee!” She whimpered and whined. His eye began to twitch and something in him snapped. Gripping her waist, he spun her around to where her back crashed into the soft mattress below, taking his place on top. “Please what, my love? It seems I’m in need of some instruction tonight.” He said looking down at her with dark hooded eyes. “I ummm I-“ was all she could respond to the sudden shift of power between them.

Even in her alcohol fueled state she knew that she was done for now. All the teasing and power play would have eventually come back to bite her in the ass and she wasn’t complaining. It was her goal all along, to rile him up in ways she was too afraid of without the liquid courage flowing through her veins. “What? You were so vocal before, now you can’t even muster up a single sentence?” He said dangerously close to her ear. His hot breath sent shivers down her spine as it came in contact with the thin veil of sweat that formed on top of her skin.

“Please Severus! Please, I can't take it. I just want you to pound me until I'm a mess under you! Just fuck me already please!” She was met with no response other than him quickly lining himself back up to her and plunging himself deep into her core. She let out a scream that if someone would have passed by their window would probably thought something else was going on in there. He didn’t even let her adjust to him, he just gave her exactly what she was begging for.

Blow after blow was delivered at breakneck speeds to her cervix. Never relenting to give her a second to replenish the air that was being knocked out of her lungs. She was a pile of mush below him and yet she needed more of him. She needed to do all the things she was so afraid to ask for when they were normally intimate.

Without words, as she had no ability to use her voice anyway, reached up to his left wrist he had planted in the bed by her head. She slithered her fingers around him and brought his index and middle finger to her lips and slipped them into her mouth. He let out a low and desperate moan as she sucked and swirled her tongue around his digits.

Never breaking eye contact she slipped his fingers out of her mouth and placed his hand around her throat. His eyes widened at this, they had been rougher before but she had never initiated it, especially so boldly. Her face flushed red, eyes filled with desire and mouth opened, he was in heaven. To be looking down at this angelic being below him and she wanted him to devour her whole.

His grip tightened around her delicate throat as his erratic thrusts pounded into her, at this point he couldn’t stop his hips if he wanted to. “Fuck my love, why didn’t you tell me you wanted me this way?” His fingertips dug into the sides of her neck and tears began to form in her eyes. He could tell she was close even with no sounds now escaping her mouth as she started twitching around his cock.

“You like it when I’m rough with you huh? You like being a whore under me? Who knew you were such a slutty little minx, I guess I’m going to have to use you like this more often, how does that sound?” All she was able to muster was a sharp inhale and her eyes rolled to the back of her head. She couldn’t hold it any more, the way his hips were snapping against her had been stimulating her clit and the lack of oxygen was making her body foggy. Just being able to listen to the deep moans and grunts from the delectable man above her was enough to send her over the edge.

“Are you going to cum for me? Come around my cock for me, let me see how good this cock you’ve been dreaming about makes you feel.” He grunted as he rhythmically snapped his hips. His words were the straw that broke the camel’s back, her hips bucked and she practically elevated off the bed. Her sudden movement shifted his grasp and allowed her to fill the room with screams of passion as she came undone around him. He had never seen something so erotic under him and without warning shot load after load deep into her as he clenched and gritted his teeth like a beast above her.

After they had finished erupting, the room was only filled with huffed breaths. Severus had collapsed on to her and she could feel the ragged breaths in the nape of her neck. Even in her exhausted state she still managed to run her fingers through his sweaty matted black hair and revel in the fact that he was all hers. This tough and stern man who he showed to the world was not even close to being his true form. He was warm and filled with love and passion and she was ever so grateful that he chose her to be wrapped up in a sweaty mess with.

Her eyes filled with hot tears unexpectedly and she couldn’t stop them from flowing down her cheeks and into his hair. He didn’t notice at first but soon felt a cool sensation form in his hair. He looked up in shock as he saw her there quietly crying. Afraid that what he had just done was the cause he spoke in a frantic tone, “My love, whatever is the matter? I’m so sorry if I was too rough with you! Please tell me what I can do!” His large palm found her cheek and held her gently.

“Sevvie- I…I just love you so much! Being with you is everything I’ve ever wanted… I just wish I never had to leave.” She cried to him. His expression softened and his eyes filled with stars as he looked down at her sweet face. He let out a soft chuckle and said “My sweet is that all? I was worried I had overstepped. Do you really feel that way? Do you not want to have to leave?”

She looked up at him with tear filled eyes. “Well all you had to do was ask y/n, I haven’t wanted you to leave my side ever since you took over a spot in my dresser.” He smiled down at her, his fingers brushing away the tears that threatened to fall. “How about I run us a hot bath and we go get you cleaned up? How does that sound?” She nodded and he gently scooped her from the sheets and cradled her in his arms bridal style.

Out of the bedroom and off to the bathroom he couldn’t help but feel his heart swell at the thought of her wanting to intertwine her life with his. He had never planned on finding someone let alone living with them. His brain tried to fill him with doubt that this was just the liquor speaking for her but he knew her words were her own. He could tell just by the way she had wrapped herself around his body and hummed into his neck. This was true, this was real, this was love and with her here it turned this house into a home.

[obesogen]

Come on in, get very comfortable

Obesogens are, according to the scientist who coined the term, "xenobiotic chemicals that can disrupt the normal developmental and homeostatic controls over adipogenesis and energy balance".

In other words, an obesogen might disregulate the creation of new fat cells, the size of those fat cells, a person's metabolism, or all three.

Obesogens, along with present social and cultural trends, are speeding along the increasing prevalence of obesity and super obesity worldwide, making us by far the fattest humans who have ever lived.

As diets all over the world become loaded with delicious ultra-processed food and people have steadily decreasing levels of physical activity and time spent outdoors, we live in the golden age of obesity.

To think that even just 20 years ago to see a person weighing 500 pounds was very rare. A sideshow fat lady in the 19th century may have weighed that much if the circus was very lucky, but more than likely not even close.

In real life I see people close to a quarter-ton out and about with some regularity. The industrial world's capacity to overwhelm us with pound after pound of blubber is incredible. What a time to be alive if you, as I do, truly desire only the biggest.

I created this blog in order to have a specific place where I can express myself freely to this effect and to share posts that align with the particularities of my lifelong love of obesity.

And so, I hope to be an obesogen, promoting obesity wherever the soil is fertile.

Oh, and that desk chair I used for my icon? It has a weight capacity of 1000 pounds, and a seat that is 36 inches wide :)

That enough people needed a chair like this to be able to work in a building that this chair was designed and produced is great sign of things to come, I think.

This blog contains dark themes and triggering language, be careful and if nothing else,

be over 18 years old

I am not good with DMs, asks are scrumptious. Getting DMs does not bother me, but me being in the mood to answer them is a rare thing. I love, respect and advocate for fat people in real life no matter what I put here and I hope you do too.

[flock-talk]

ive finally got my budgie fully diet transitioned to pellets, but she does still love her seed mix (this is only important because she will still eat it). but recently since she wasn't really diet transitioning to pellets we just switched her to a more healthy seed mix instead. and now i feel like the variety of seeds and nuts in that mix is good for her. but pellets are also better than seeds? and I was wondering should I keep her fully on pellets or would it be beneficial to keep her on half seed mix half pellets. OR have pellets as her main food and seeds separate as extra, like little snacks or something to go with her veggies. i feel like this is an individual bird type of thing and also depends on what seed mix im using and etc so i know you most likely can't give a definitive answer but i was wondering if you could give some insight

So this is the highly debated topic of parrot keeping at the moment

Pellets are only declared the healthiest option because they are fortified with vitamins and minerals that seeds alone would be lacking while also being low in fat and uniform in size/shape to limit selective consumption which decreases food waste and combats pickiness. Even with veggies in the diet getting the right nutritional balance can be quite difficult so pellets help bridge those nutritional gaps.

Mixing seed/ pellet can be controversial because by feeding seeds you're decreasing the pellet consumption which means the dose of nutrients they'd get from the pellets can no longer be guaranteed. (ex. if they get 2g of calcium from eating straight pellets and you now feed 50% seed they'd only be getting 1g of calcium instead). You also run the risk of the bird reverting off of pellets as parrots are notorious for their poor dietary choices even in the wild. They will consume whatever tastes best or they desire most in the moment, not the food that their body needs which can cause nutritional deficiencies to become even worse off! It can absolutely be done safely provided your bird actually eats both foods accurately and they're supplemented with their veggies or powdered supplements to compensate correctly.

Feeding a variety of low fat, nutrient-dense seeds mixed with veggies, sprouts, and potentially supplements is also a widely used dietary choice by folks who wish to go the more 'natural' route to feeding. This is typically referred to as the "raw fed parrot" diet. It can be great for birds who really struggle to eat pellets consistently, certain species who grass forage for seeds more than produce naturally, or individuals where pellets are too expensive/ unavailable in their region. The concern with this diet is nutritional accuracy, you really do need to consult with a vet, get bloodwork done, and work up a diet plan with them to ensure they're getting everything they need. Most end up needing a powdered supplement sprinkled over fruits/ veg to ensure they're consistently getting the nutrients they need. As previously stated birds are heavily selective consumers and won't eat what their body needs. This diet style has more risk for them over eating certain foods, scarfing down one seed type out of the mix, refusing certain fresh foods, and ultimately causing really askew nutritional values because of it. It can definitely be a good diet choice for some but it is a load of work to get it started!

You may want to give this study a read

https://href.li/?https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Donald-Brightsmith/publication/233534374_Nutritional_Levels_of_Diets_Fed_to_Captive_Amazon_Parrots_Does_Mixing_Seed_Produce_and_Pellets_Provide_a_Healthy_Diet/links/5d1389e3299bf1547c820a64/Nutritional-Levels-of-Diets-Fed-to-Captive-Amazon-Parrots-Does-Mixing-Seed-Produce-and-Pellets-Provide-a-Healthy-Diet.pdf?origin=publication_detail

It covers how the presentation of different foods alters the overall nutrition, selective consumption, and other things you may be interested in

[catboybiologist]

Slightly late monthly journal!

First off, the spreadsheet has been updated:

Nothing too drastic here, especially compared to my initial growth spurt. But still… there’s so much, yet so little to talk about.

I’ve been on spiro for a longer time now, and recently increased my estradiol dose. Note that my levels check was before the increased dose- the dates aren’t completely coordinated (they are on my private spreadsheet for my own personal tracking, don’t worry). It’s looking pretty good. Testosterone is well within target levels. E is about the same, which is much lower than I would like it. My endo says that 100-200 is “minimally acceptable”, and wants to shoot even higher than that. That’s comforting, in a way- I’m the slightest bit frustrated that some changes aren’t happening too quickly, but that gives a very distinct avenue for improvement. Ultimately, I’m gonna switch to injection monotherapy, probably around the same time I start prog. So the big change is decreased T. What has that done to me?

First off, the hard measurements. There’s really no surprises here. I’m losing weight, which tracks with my general diet and an increase in exercise levels. It seems to be happening faster than normal, though. Which, is pretty easily explainable by a new variable in the equation: adderall. I started adderall in the middle of the month. I’ve used it sparingly, but everyone I know that takes it told me that weight loss is pretty much unavoidable. I’m certainly still above any point where my weight would be worrying, but I’m gonna have to keep an eye on it. Especially if I want fat tits. As for how the weight loss is happening, I’m very happy with what’s going on. My bust and hip measurements are holding steady, while my waist and underbust are still slightly going down. 

I do know that there’s another source of weight loss, however: muscle mass. With the increase in exercise level has come an increase in exertion for the same results, which has made me slightly dismayed. This is the main HRT effect that I was a little scared of. But honestly, I really only care about the muscle that helps me hike and swim- and if I maintain that better, I think it won’t be too much of an issue. I was never some pariah of physical condition, so I think with training I can even improve my hiking stamina. That’ll be very necessary with my future backpacking plans.

The main thing that I’m REALLY happy about is that, if I squint, I think I can slowly start to see the first hints of facial changes start to come in. They’re subtle, of course. A weird one is that my nose is literally straighter. Y’all don’t see it, but the reason I still shield my face (despite being easily identifiable at this point if you saw me irl and knew this account) is mostly insecurity about my nose and chin. My nose actually physically curves to my right when viewed from the front, and in general, is a huge, classic Roman nose. Looking at head on progress pictures, its actually starting to straighten out. I thought I was imagining things, but I checked in with a couple friends before and after pictures of several years on HRT, and yeah- their noses are different, usually smaller and more symmetrical. Saying that this is a huge relief to me would be an understatement. Additionally, I was insecure about my boxy jawline, but for some reason, it seems to work as a femme feature of my face now- I think slight cheek restructuring helps frame it better. Still not so sure how the chin is gonna turn out. But hey- I started HRT thinking that I would for sure need FFS to pass, but now, I'm far less concerned. I'll at least give it two years.

I’ve also gotten a lot of interesting comments. Several labmates and family members that don’t know I’m transitioning have remarked that my skin looks healthier, and I look younger. I’ve also had noticeable mental health improvement, so I think most people think I’m on some kind of self improvement kick. I mentioned skin care as part of that. We’ll see how long the excuse holds- probably a while, as the changes are so, so subtle at the moment. But shit, I’m only three months in. I’m thrilled.

There’s still no getting rid of my beard shadow. Even though the growth rate of my facial hair has noticeably decreased, the thickness of the basal hairs will always add shading to my face. When I started HRT, I thought it wouldn’t bother me that much until I was ready to socially transition- but tbh, it’s starting to look glaring to me. I’m looking into starting laser sometime in January, and hopefully that’ll help.

Which brings me to the emotional changes. Holy FUCK what a month its been. I’m not gonna expose all of my dirty laundry. But, a mixture of some long term anxieties and a few particular events led to a classic mid-20s “what the fuck am I doing with my life” crisis. One of those long term anxieties was a thought I’m sure many of y’all are familiar with: “I started HRT. Now what? How the fuck am I going to socially transition?”

For a couple days, I was very seriously considering quitting grad school and academia. I’m past that. Tragically, I love science a little too much. I do, however, need a break. I talked to my advisor about taking a hiatus, and he’s fully supportive of the idea. And conveniently, that also provides me with a clean way to simply disappear, and come back as a woman. A nice little break to allow me to socially transition.

But anyways. Here’s my big point here: if I went through something similar pre-HRT, I would’ve reacted completely differently. I would’ve shoved those thoughts deep and let them simmer as a general, background malaise that I would just stew in and suffer. Now? I cried. A lot. Actual fucking tears. I went through a few days of sharp sadness, and then actually fucking processed those emotions. What the fuck? That’s new. It’s insane. I wouldn’t have had the emotional capacity to that before. 

I’m elated. It’s wonderful. It’s a more than welcome change.

But yeah. Steady as she goes. Progress is a little stalled, but both me and my provider are adamant about getting that E up. And I’m still making slow progress as it is.

Very quick NSFW notes after this button.

The final note: sexual function. With the low T… yup, my downstairs functionality has decreased. My ejaculate is clear, and often happens without being fully erect. That said… there’s no way in hell that I would ever trade getting that back for what I have now. My libido is still comes in waves, and is crazy when it comes. The feelings I get from intimate situations now are incredible beyond belief. 

[breezingby]

Potential Health Benefits

Honey has many potential health benefits, including: (here's just a Few)…

Anti-inflammatory

Honey contains an enzyme called catalase that can help relieve minor inflammation. It can be used topically to treat burns and wounds, and orally to treat coughs and sore throats.

Antibacterial and antiviral

Honey can help fight infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It can also be used to treat acne by dabbing a small amount onto pimples to reduce swelling and fight bacteria.

Antioxidant

Honey contains antioxidants like phenolic acids and flavonoids, which may help improve cholesterol levels and decrease the risk of heart disease. Honey can also help prevent and treat degenerative diseases.

Studies suggest that honey might offer antidepressant, anticonvulsant and anti-anxiety benefits. In some studies, honey has been shown to help prevent memory disorders. Wound care. Topical use of medical-grade honey has been shown to promote wound healing, particularly in burns.

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Cinnamon has many potential health benefits, including:

Blood sugar

Cinnamon may help lower blood sugar levels, which can be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes. It may also improve insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance factor (GTf), which can help with weight loss.

In addition to being an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anticancer, lipid-lowering, and cardiovascular-disease-lowering compound, cinnamon has also been reported to have activities against neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.

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Ginger has many health benefits, including:

Digestion: Gingerol, a natural compound in ginger, can help with digestion, nausea, and vomiting from motion sickness, pregnancy, and cancer chemotherapy. It can also help with mild stomach upset.

Anti-inflammatory: Ginger contains over 400 natural compounds, some of which are anti-inflammatory. It can help with bloating, gas, and reducing inflammation.

Pain relief: Ginger can help with osteoarthritis pain, menstrual cramps, and sore muscles.

Blood sugar: Ginger can help improve blood sugar regulation and lower blood sugar.

Heart health: Ginger can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, which can help prevent heart disease. It can also improve circulation and promote the breakdown of fats in the bloodstream.

Immune system: Ginger can help strengthen the immune system and fight germs.

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Turmeric ~ In addition to these conditions, research studies have shown some possible benefits of turmeric for:

Inflammation

Degenerative eye conditions

Metabolic syndrome

Arthritis

Hyperlipidemia (cholesterol in the blood)

Anxiety

Muscle soreness after exercise

Kidney health

In India, it was traditionally used for disorders of the skin, upper respiratory tract, joints, and digestive system. Today, turmeric is promoted as a dietary supplement for a variety of conditions, including arthritis, digestive disorders, respiratory infections, allergies, liver disease, depression, and many others.

.......

Chili peppers contain many compounds that may have health benefits, including:

Capsaicin The chemical that gives chili peppers their heat, capsaicin may help with:

Pain relief: Chili peppers can help with headaches, migraines, and joint pain. You can apply chili peppers directly to the skin to reduce the amount of a chemical that sends pain signals to the brain.

Metabolism: Capsaicin can increase your metabolic rate, which can help you burn more calories and eat fewer unhealthy foods. Some studies have also shown that capsaicin can reduce appetite and increase fat burning, which may help with weight loss.

Inflammation: Capsaicin is one of the most studied natural ingredients for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Digestion: Capsaicin can help clear phlegm and congestion, and may promote a healthy gut microbiome, which is important for a healthy immune system.

Vitamin A and vitamin C: Chili peppers are a great source of both vitamins, which can help boost your immune system and support eye health. Vitamin C can also help your body absorb iron and promote healthy skin.

Carotenoids: Chili peppers contain carotenoids, which may help protect against cancer. Some research suggests that capsaicin may also contribute to cancer cell death.

Keep in Mind

Take charge of your health—talk with your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use. Together, you can make shared, well-informed decisions.

Using Dietary Supplements Wisely

Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact

Know the Science: How To Make Sense of a Scientific Journal Article

[defilerwyrm]

I feel so stupid to say this but I'm a trans man, but I have a lot of learning disabilities so I'm trying to understand things better. I was born AFAB but I'm trying to understand how "bio sex" works and if it is even real. I've heard a lot of people say it isn't but that makes me feel sorta as if my transness isn't valid then. I do not agree w trans meds at all, they're terf lites and their "male/female brain" stuff is so wrong. But I'm curious since the brain isn't gendered, what makes us the bio sex we are? I get gender is different and it is WHO we are and how we think and present etc but can you explain bio sex please? :) I also really want phallo and top surgery and it makes me curious how gender which is a social construct has an urge to match up with biology somehow? Like how come my dysphoria feels so bad that I lack a dick..how does my gender want that?

Hoo boy. Biological sex is actually really complex. It’s made up of your sex chromosomes, sex hormones, primary sex characteristics developed as a fetus, secondary sex characteristics developed in puberty, and I think a few other factors I’m forgetting. All of these elements are not binary (meaning there are only two options), but instead bimodal (meaning there are two options that are the most common, but there are others).

So using myself as an example, my chromosomes are unknown because I’ve never been karyotyped (tested for sex chromosomes); my endocrine system is almost completely testosterone-based; I have zero “female” reproductive organs and most of the “male” ones (minus testes); and I have a few “female” sex characteristics (undeveloped hyoid (Adam’s apple), wide hips, narrow shoulders, smallish hands & feet) and many “male” ones (deep voice, broad jaw, flat chest, vascular hands, body hair, facial hair, male pattern alopecia, male fat distribution, lower body temperature, high sex drive). So without knowing what my chromosomes are, by all accounts I’m male.

The whole male brain/female brain thing has been pretty well debunked. There are only subtle differences between the brains of cis men and cis women at the population level, and those physical differences that do exist are most likely caused by differences in socialization for certain skillsets. In other words, if you teach boys and girls that they’re supposed to be good at different things as they’re growing up, their brains will develop to be better at those things that they practice from an early age—be that fine motor skills, or telling colors apart, or interpreting other people’s tone and moods, or being empathetic, etc. Obviously there are disabilities that can stand in the way or complicate matters, but there’s something called the Pygmalion effect where if you consistently tell a child that they’re good at a certain thing, they will BECOME good at it—and if you consistently tell a child they’re bad at a thing, they will do poorly at it.

Something I find really interesting, talking about the link between biological sex and gender identity, is the prevalence of PCOS (poly-cystic ovarian syndrome) in trans men. The rates shown by studies varies a lot, but taking average rates, about 5% (1 in 20) AFAB people have PCOS, but about 60% (3 in 5) trans men have it. PCOS is an endocrine condition (and, arguably, an intersex condition) that has a slew of effects, and one of those is relatively high levels of androgens like testosterone. The REALLY interesting part is that PCOS medications that decrease testosterone and increase estrogen result in MORE gender dysphoria for trans men and LESS in cis women! I remember before I even figure out I’m trans, my mom told me I needed to get on metformin to decrease testosterone and boost estrogen, and the very thought of it made me nauseous and angry!

A possible interpretation of that is that there is an intrinsic link between our gender identity and our physical sex that opposes our primary sex characteristics. In other words, we’re MEANT to be men and our bodies know it.

(Now, things like this on the trans woman side, I will admit I don’t know offhand; you’d have to ask a trans woman who follows medical science. I would point you to my sister because she fits the bill, but we have an unspoken agreement to keep our online lives separate for privacy. That is to say, I don’t remember her blog name lmao sorry sis)

But yeah. The thing about top and bottom dysphoria is that it isn’t like social dysphoria where it depends on how you’re seen by others. It’s an internal knowledge—a gnosis, if you will—that something is WRONG regardless of what others think, say, or do. Speaking for myself again, sure you can be a man without a dick, fine, whatever, but I, personally, was supposed to have one. It wasn’t the social construction of what masculinity is supposed to entail that made me hate my tits and cooch, it was the fact that they felt horrible and wrong and I knew I was meant to have a flat chest, dick, and balls instead. And that feeling of wrongness started at a very young age, if I’m honest; I just didn’t have the vocabulary and knowledge to identify it until my mid-20s.

How does this relate to my PCOS? We don’t actually know. But don’t you think it’s interesting that the signs that I was trans were there long before my first puberty awakened the PCOS in the first place?

Gender roles are a fluid social construct. What’s considered masculine and feminine change with culture and time. But gender identity is, as far as medical science can figure, hardwired in the brain. For most people, by happy coincidence of sex and gender being bimodal, their physical sex (as complex as it is!) and gender identity more or less align, and they never really have to think about it. For others, there is a natural misalignment between the two—and it can take quite some time to figure it all out, because our cultures try very to force a bimodal spectrum into a binary box.

I think I’ve rambled enough, hey? Let’s see if my dogshit wifi will let me post this without losing everything.