P785 Exploring gender-specific food preferences and physical activity: An epidemiological study

Rationale: Food preferences are influenced by several factors, including culture, age, and gender. The relationship between food tastes, meal preferences, and eating habits has been extensively investigated in recent years; however, research on gender differences in these fields still needs to be addressed. Methods: 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 (2198 participants, 1314 females and 884 males). Results: The analysis revealed significant gender differences in dietary preferences and eating habits. In particular, men prefer red and processed meat, with significantly higher consumption rates than women. On the other hand, women 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 with women tending to eat more frequently and reporting 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. 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. Conclusion: These findings elucidate the complex interplay of biological, cultural, and gender-based factors in influencing dietary preferences and eating behaviors, thus providing valuable insights into the development of public health strategies and tailored nutrition interventions aimed at chronic disease prevention.