Adolescence as a Critical Period: Gender Differences in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior

Abstract

The study, conducted with a sample of 177 male students and 89 female students from the final grades of high schools in Zagreb, examined physical activity, sedentary behavior, and dietary habits among adolescents. The results show that the majority of male students (67%) regularly engage in sports, with most having been involved in sports for over five years (44.65%), while the majority of female students (52.27%) are inactive. Among those who participate in sports, a larger percentage of both genders engage in individual sports (39.55% of male athletes and 42.05% of female athletes).Regarding sedentary behavior, both genders spend a similar amount of time using mobile devices and applications (2-3 hours daily), with a higher percentage of male students (37.29%) spending more time playing video games compared to female students (79.55%).In terms of dietary habits, the majority of students from both genders report having prior knowledge of nutrition, with male students being slightly more informed about weight loss and weight gain advice. While they are aware of the importance of proper nutrition, there are noticeable deficiencies in their dietary habits, especially in the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and fish. Females generally consume more fruits and dairy products, while males consume more meat and meat products. The study highlights the need for further educational and health interventions to promote a more balanced diet and greater engagement in physical activity among adolescents.