Gender Differences Relating to Lifestyle Habits and Health-Related Quality of Life of Adolescents

Adolescence is a decisive stage in human development during which individuals can experience intense physical, psychological, emotional and social changes. The objective of the study was to analyse the lifestyle differences associated with the health of adolescents as a function of gender. For this, a cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 761 adolescents, distributed between 383 males (14.55 +/- 1.64 years) and 378 females (14.46 +/- 1.63 years). Relative to males, females presented significantly lower values for engaging in physical activity, maximal oxygen uptake, physical wellbeing, psychological wellbeing and body satisfaction. In exchange, females demonstrated higher vegetable consumption in the daily diet and greater satisfaction in the educational context. Weak or moderate associations were observed amongst the various variables of physical and mental health in both sexes, with these being stronger in females. In particular, the association of the Mediterranean diet with better quality of life, self-esteem and physical activity engagement stands out. Further, exclusively in the case of females, associations were identified between quality of life and body satisfaction. The significant differences found according to the gender of adolescents suggest that educational and health organisations should give more consideration to establishing intervention strategies that are appropriate to the needs of each gender. Specific intervention is important, particularly in the case of females. This should aim to improve self-esteem, combat pressure and social stereotypes around their body figure, and sculpt physical practice so that it is adapted to their interests, needs and tastes, improving their experience with PA.