Mauro Lombardo, Giovanni Aulisa, Elvira Padua, Giuseppe Annino, Ferdinando Iellamo, Antonio Pratesi, Massimiliano Caprio and Alfonso Bellia
The purpose of this paper is to examine gender differences in food habits and food choices, including decisions in healthy eating, to personalize diet therapies to be as effective…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine gender differences in food habits and food choices, including decisions in healthy eating, to personalize diet therapies to be as effective possible for long-term weight loss.
Design/methodology/approach
In this cross-sectional study, eating behaviours were assessed using a questionnaire composed of 12 questions concerning food habits, 17 concerning food taste, and four about healthy eating. There were 2,021 (1,276 women) Caucasian adults enrolled in the study.
Findings
Statistically significant differences in women compared to men occurred for the following questionnaire entries reading eating habits: whole grain food (10.0 per cent higher in women; p < 0.001); cereals such as barley (8.3 per cent higher in women, p < 0.001); cooked vegetables (6.6 per cent higher in women, p < 0.001); eggs (5.0 per cent lower in women, p = 0.03); meat (9.3 per cent lower in women, p < 0.001); and processed meat (7.1 per cent lower in women, p < 0.001). Women consume more water, sugar-sweetened beverages and alcoholic drinks than males, and liked salty foods more than sweet foods. Men ate faster, ate more during the night and slept worse than women. Men ate meals out more often and tended to be hungrier later in the day. Women missed more meals and ate more times during the day and were also more likely to eat uncontrollably.
Research limitations/implications
The authors observed strong evidence of profound gender-specific differences between men and women in terms of dietary habits, the taste of food and in the relationship with meals.
Practical implications
The findings suggest a need for the creation of gender-specific programs for promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Social implications
A need for the creation of gender-related programs for promoting healthy lifestyle has been demonstrated.
Originality/value
Reasons for the different eating behaviours among men and women have been found. Western society’s perception of the ideal body weight is much lower for women than for men. In general, social perceptions influence nutritional behaviour to a great extent. Women’s greater nutritional knowledge and sex-specific taste preferences also account for the differences in eating behaviour.
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Giovanni Aulisa, Claudio Binda, Elvira Padua, Antonio Pratesi, Alfonso Bellia, Chiara Bellia and Mauro Lombardo
This study aims to evaluate if soya consumption can compromise or positively influence the effects of the Mediterranean diet (MD).
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to evaluate if soya consumption can compromise or positively influence the effects of the Mediterranean diet (MD).
Design/methodology/approach
A full literature review has been conducted as part of a proposal of a new point of view on the consumption of soya and its derivatives in areas where until a few decades ago this type of food did not exist at all.
Findings
There does not seem to be any contraindications for soy systematic use, therefore, excluding historical-geographical reasons, soya could be included in an MD without altering the benefits associated with it.
Practical implications
Soya is not advised as a typical food in the MD, but promoting its use could probably contribute to increase the variety of the diet and likely consolidates the positive health benefits characteristic of MD.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this review is one of the first to evaluate soybean consumption within the MD.