Gender differences in consumption habits and spending behaviour regarding food groups in one of the most obese countries in Europe

Abstract

Background: Currently, healthy eating is receiving increased attention. Numerous studies have demonstrated the importance of consuming food groups that are recommended by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and World Health Organization (WHO) to maintain health. However, few studies have evaluated spending on these food groups. Aim: In this study, we examined nutrition in terms of consumption habits and spending behaviour. The aim of this study is to evaluate gender differences according to the two studied aspects (i.e., consumption and spending) in one of the most obese countries in Europe, in Hungary. Methods: Principal component analysis and two-block partial least-squares were chosen as research methods. The participants were university students (n = 701). Results: In this study, we observed significant gender differences in every consumption component and in several spending components. Among women, the consumption of coffee and dairy products is relatively more frequent compared to men; however, men consume more trendy and less healthy products. Conclusions: This study successfully showed gender difference in the spending behaviour and consumption habits. The consumption of less healthy food groups is most noticeable among young men, which greatly contributes to obesity.