Gender Differences in Dietary Patterns and Physical Activity: A PCA Approach

Completed

• Conditions: Diet Surveys; Food Preferences

• Registration Number: NCT06654674
• Lead Sponsor: San Raffaele Telematic University

Brief Summary

This study investigates gender differences in dietary patterns and physical activity using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). It aims to identify distinct eating and activity behaviors between men and women in order to develop gender-specific interventions that promote better metabolic health. The study was conducted at a metabolic health center in Rome, Italy, with 2,509 participants. Data were collected through questionnaires and body composition assessments, and PCA was applied to classify participants into groups based on their behaviors.

Detailed Description

The study was designed as a cross-sectional analysis of gender differences in dietary patterns and physical activity, utilizing Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to identify distinct behavioral groups. A total of 2,509 participants were recruited from a metabolic health center in Rome, Italy, between May 2023 and June 2024. The study collected detailed data on eating habits, physical activity, and body composition through questionnaires and bioimpedance analysis. Five distinct behavioral groups were identified through PCA, with significant differences in dietary patterns and physical activity levels between men and women. Men were found to consume more meat and participate in strength training, while women favored vegetable-rich diets and had more structured eating routines. These differences also translated into body composition, with men having more lean mass and women more fat mass.

The study highlights the importance of gender-specific interventions in nutrition and physical activity to improve metabolic health outcomes. The results suggest that men could benefit from increased vegetable consumption, while women could benefit from engaging in more physical activity, particularly strength training. Future research should explore these patterns longitudinally to better understand how these behaviors evolve over time and to develop more tailored interventions.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2023-01-01
• Primary Completion: 2024-06-01
• Study Completion: 2024-06-01
• Status Verified: 2024-10
• Study First Submitted: 2024-10-17
• Study First Submitted QC: 2024-10-21
• Last Update Submitted: 2024-10-21
• Study First Posted: 2024-10-23
• Last Update Posted: 2024-10-23

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 2509

Inclusion Criteria

• Adults aged 18 years or older.
• Participants attending the metabolic health center in Rome, Italy.
• Participants who provided informed consent.
• Participants with complete data on dietary patterns, physical activity, and body composition.

Exclusion Criteria

• Individuals under 18 years of age.
• Participants with diagnosed psychiatric disorders.
• Pregnant women.
• Participants with incomplete or inconsistent data.
• Individuals with alcohol dependence.
• Participants with significant medical conditions that could affect dietary or physical activity assessments (e.g., severe chronic illnesses).

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Principal Component Analysis (PCA)	Cross-sectional assessment at baseline	The primary outcome is the identification of distinct dietary patterns and physical activity behaviors based on gender differences.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Physical activity levels based on gender differences	Cross-sectional assessment at baseline	The study will evaluate how gender differences in physical activity are distributed across different PCA-identified groups

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

San Raffaele Open University; 🇮🇹 Roma, Italy