Assessing gender differences in food preferences and physical activity: a population-based survey

Assessing gender differences in food preferences and physical activity: a population-based survey

20 February 2024 | Alessandra Feraco¹,², Andrea Armani¹,², Isaac Amoah³, Elena Guseva¹, Elisabetta Camajani¹,², Stefania Gorini¹,², Rocky Strollo¹, Elvira Padua¹, Massimiliano Caprio¹,² and Mauro Lombardo¹*
This study investigates gender differences in food preferences and physical activity among a large Italian population. The survey included 2198 participants (1314 females and 884 males) and assessed their dietary habits, eating behaviors, and sports participation. The results showed significant gender differences in food preferences, with men preferring red and processed meats, while women favored vegetables, whole grains, tofu, and dark chocolate. Men also tended to eat more quickly, dine out more often, and skip snacks, whereas women reported more frequent meals and higher hunger levels in the morning. Additionally, men were more likely to engage in strength training and endurance sports, while women preferred endurance and skill sports. The study highlights the influence of biological, cultural, and societal factors on dietary choices and eating behaviors. These findings emphasize the need for gender-specific approaches in public health and nutrition strategies to address chronic disease prevention and promote healthier lifestyles. The study also acknowledges limitations, including potential biases from self-reported data and the non-representative nature of the sample population. Overall, the research underscores the importance of considering gender differences in dietary patterns and physical activity to develop effective, targeted interventions.This study investigates gender differences in food preferences and physical activity among a large Italian population. The survey included 2198 participants (1314 females and 884 males) and assessed their dietary habits, eating behaviors, and sports participation. The results showed significant gender differences in food preferences, with men preferring red and processed meats, while women favored vegetables, whole grains, tofu, and dark chocolate. Men also tended to eat more quickly, dine out more often, and skip snacks, whereas women reported more frequent meals and higher hunger levels in the morning. Additionally, men were more likely to engage in strength training and endurance sports, while women preferred endurance and skill sports. The study highlights the influence of biological, cultural, and societal factors on dietary choices and eating behaviors. These findings emphasize the need for gender-specific approaches in public health and nutrition strategies to address chronic disease prevention and promote healthier lifestyles. The study also acknowledges limitations, including potential biases from self-reported data and the non-representative nature of the sample population. Overall, the research underscores the importance of considering gender differences in dietary patterns and physical activity to develop effective, targeted interventions.
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