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

Abstract

IntroductionFood preferences are influenced by various factors, such as culture, age, and gender. The relationship between food tastes, meal preferences, and eating habits has been studied extensively in recent years; however, research on gender differences in these fields still needs to be addressed. The aim of this study was to investigate gender differences in food preferences and eating habits through self-administered questionnaires in a large Italian population sample.MethodsThe online survey included questions on food tastes, meal preferences, eating habits, and sport involvement.ResultsThe results of the study underline significant gender-specific dietary tendencies among the 2198 participants (1314 females and 884 males, average age 41.1 ± 12.7 yrs). The majority of subjects were in the annual income range between €20,000 and €40,000. Our analysis reveals significant gender differences in dietary preferences and eating habits. Men prefer red and processed meat, with significantly higher consumption rates than women. Women, on the other hand, show a greater inclination towards vegetables, whole grains, tofu, and high-cocoa-content dark chocolate, aligning with healthier food choices. The study also found differences in eating behaviors, including the frequency of meals, snacking habits, and hunger patterns: women tend to eat more frequently and report higher levels of hunger in the morning, while men tend to skip snacks. Furthermore, differences extend to eating contexts, such as the speed of eating, eating out, and eating alone, with men more likely to eat quickly and dine out. Episodes of uncontrolled eating without hunger also differ, with women reporting these behaviors more frequently than men. In addition, the analysis of sports preferences showed distinct patterns, with a lower percentage of women playing sports and those who do play sports preferring endurance and strength training, while men prefer strength training and endurance sports.DiscussionThese findings elucidate the complex interplay of biological, cultural, and gender-based factors in shaping dietary preferences and eating behaviors. In particular, our study reveals that gender dynamics significantly influence food choice and eating habits: women tend to choose healthier foods and eat regular meals, while men show preferences for specific tastes and meal-related behaviors. This analysis underscores the nuanced differences between male and female dietary patterns, influenced not only by inherent biological factors such as genetics and hormonal responses but also by societal norms and cultural contexts. Taken together, our results highlight the importance of integrating different perspectives, thus providing valuable insights into the development of public health strategies and tailored nutrition interventions aimed at chronic disease prevention.

Gender differences in body composition, dietary patterns, and physical activity: insights from a cross-sectional study

“…We recently demonstrated the existence of differences between male and female dietary patterns in terms of food choice and eating habits ( 16 ). In this study, our findings underline the existence of significant differences in food preferences between genders, specifically influenced by body composition which proves to have a crucial role in affecting nutritional behaviours and preferences in sport activities.…”

“…Although no formal validation was conducted, the survey was comparable to previously validated food preference questionnaires ( 15 ). The anonymously recorded answers were divided into four sections, consistent with previous food preference questionnaires ( 16 , 17 ). The first section investigated the frequency and type of meals, times of increased appetite, habits such as skipping meals or eating fast, and the quality of sleep, including any disturbances.…”

The relationship between gender differences in dietary habits, neuroinflammation, and Alzheimer’s disease

“…Their results suggest that men prefer and consume more red and processed meat; women are more inclined toward healthier foods (e.g., vegetables, whole grains, tofu, high-cocoa dark chocolate); men tend to skip snacks while women tend to eat more frequently, report higher hunger levels in the morning, and more frequent episodes of uncontrolled eating without hunger; men are more likely to eat alone, eat quickly, and dine out. Their findings contribute important information for personalized nutrition recommendations and health promotion strategies based on gender dynamics ( Feraco et al, 2024 ).…”

“…Food preferences naturally vary among individuals, but some trends have been suggested between genders. A recent study by Feraco et al (2024) utilized an online survey administered to 2,198 participants in Italy to investigate gender differences in food preferences and eating habits. Their results suggest that men prefer and consume more red and processed meat; women are more inclined toward healthier foods (e.g., vegetables, whole grains, tofu, high-cocoa dark chocolate); men tend to skip snacks while women tend to eat more frequently, report higher hunger levels in the morning, and more frequent episodes of uncontrolled eating without hunger; men are more likely to eat alone, eat quickly, and dine out.…”

“…Lifestyle choices, including diet, are an integral part of brain health. Overall, the literature consistently suggests that women tend to choose healthier foods ( Gil et al, 2022 ; Jimenez-Morcillo and Clemente-Suárez, 2023 ; Feraco et al, 2024 ) yet suffer disproportionately from dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common form ( Derreberry and Holroyd, 2019 ), and remain underrepresented in the published literature ( Ferretti et al, 2021 ). Of note, sex is one of the strongest risk factors for developing AD following age, as evidenced by the fact that two thirds of those clinically diagnosed with AD are women worldwide ( Ferretti et al, 2021 ; Subramaniapillai et al, 2021 ), yet sex and gender have not yet been incorporated into precision medicine approaches ( Nebel et al, 2018 ).…”