The COVID-19 pounds of weight gain memes popped up pretty much the second we started social distancing and staying home. And while its always infuriating when people make jokes about weight gain, the Quarantine 15 posts and advice articles are especially gross.

Theres already enough stress right now: Unemployment is skyrocketing, hospitals are on overflow (or preparing for the possibility), many people are struggling to meet basic needs, and no one really knows when or how this will all end.

The fear of added pounds during this time is a reflection of the diet culture we live in. Were terrified of weight gain even in the midst of an unprecedented global pandemic because were constantly flooded with messages that gaining weight or living in a larger body is very, very bad. Were collectively obsessed with diets, products and intense workout routines that feature before and after photos.

In a time of such anxiety and uncertainty, of course we cling to these weight-centric obsessions theyre familiar, which right now makes them feel almost comforting.

Still, this incessant, communal fear of weight gain really sucks. Its especially harmful for anyone with a history of an eating disorder or similar mental health issues, but its stressful for pretty much everybody. (And, again, there are too many actually legitimate things to be stressed about right now.)

Unfortunately, the weight gain jokes arent going away anytime soon. In the meantime, heres what you can do to tune them out and reframe your own perspective on weight, food and exercise during the pandemic.

Recognize your weight gain fears come from messages youve internalized, and those messages arent necessarily true.