THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AND SELF-PERCEPTION

DOI: https://doi.org/10.26758/15.1.24

(1) Faculty of Law and Administrative Sciences, Ovidius University of Constanța, Romania; “Constantin Rădulescu-Motru” Institute of Psychology and Philosophy of the Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania; e-mail: psiholog_m@yahoo.com

(2) (3) Department of Psychology and Social Work, ‘Ovidius’ University of Constanța, Romania; e-mails: fmarianacalin@gmail.com, mihaela_naidin@yahoo.com (3)

(4)  PhD Student, “Constantin Rădulescu-Motru” Institute of Psychology and Philosophy of the Romanian Academy; e-mail: psihologsimionca@gmail.com

Address correspondence to:  Mihaela RUS, Faculty of Law and Administrative Sciences, Ovidius University of Constanța. Ph.: +40740906986; E-mail: psiholog_m@yahoo.com

Abstract

Objectives. The study examines the relationship between a healthy lifestyle and the self-perception, focusing on how the health behaviors affect the self-evaluation. It also analyzes the gender differences in adopting healthy habits, such as nutrition and physical activity, to understand factors that enhance the well-being and the self-image.

Material and methods. The study was conducted on a sample of 100 participants (47 men and 53 women) aged between 18 and 61 (mean of 34.5 years). The methodology included using two instruments: an interview designed to identify a healthy lifestyle and the “Unconditional Acceptance of One’s Own Questionnaire – USAQ” in order to assess the self-esteem. The working procedure involved the application of these instruments to collect data concerning the participants’ health habits and self-perception. Statistical analysis was performed using non-parametric methods such as the Spearman test for correlation of variables and the Mann-Whitney test for gender differences.

Results. The results indicated a significant positive correlation between adopting a healthy lifestyle and self-perception (correlation coefficient of 0.476, p < 0.01), confirming the hypothesis that a healthy lifestyle contributes to a more positive self-perception. Significant gender differences were also observed, with women showing greater concern for nutrition and mental health, while men engaged more often in vigorous physical activity and risky behaviors (p < 0.01).

Conclusions. The results suggest that adopting a healthy lifestyle positively impacts the self-perception and the general well-being. Tailoring health behaviors to fit gender and individual preferences may further optimize the physical and the mental health. This personalized approach may lead to better long-term health outcomes and improved well-being for diverse populations.

Keywords: effects, lifestyle, health, perception, people

Suggested citation (APA)

Rus, M., Călin, M. F., Sandu, M. L., & Simionca, I. (2025). The relationship between healthy lifestyle and self-perception. Anthropological Researches and Studies, 15, 365-378. https://doi.org/10.26758/15.1.24

Introduction

In the current context, characterized by an increasing prevalence of the chronic diseases and an emphasis on the importance of the mental health, adopting a healthy lifestyle becomes an essential priority for individuals and society as a whole. A healthy lifestyle involves several beneficial behaviors, such as a balanced diet, regular physical activity, avoiding harmful behaviors (such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption), and effective stress management. These practices contribute not only to the maintenance of the physical health but also to the improvement of the mental and emotional state, significantly impacting self-perception and general well-being (Waxman, 2004).

Research suggests that people who adopt a healthy lifestyle develop a more positive self-perception, which translates into an increased self-acceptance and a better management of the daily challenges (Hu & Willett, 2002; Jacka et al., 2017). For example, the regular physical activity not only alleviates symptoms of depression and anxiety but also contributes to the improved self-esteem through its effects on the physical and the mental health (Mammen & Faulkner, 2013). At the same time, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption is associated with a reduction in the risk of chronic diseases and an improvement in the cognitive functioning, thus supporting a healthy and a balanced self-perception (Taylor et al., 2014; Rehm et al., 2010).

This paper aims to investigate the effects of a healthy lifestyle on self-perception, analyzing how the healthy habits influence the individual’s self-evaluation of the physical, mental and emotional health. The study also explores the gender differences in adopting a healthy lifestyle, highlighting how these differences may influence the self-perception and the overall well-being. Considering that a healthy lifestyle may significantly contribute to increasing the quality of life and preventing disease, the present research contributes to understanding the factors that support the individual and collective well-being.

The lifestyle

The lifestyle is the set of behaviors, habits, and attitudes of a person or a group, which reflect how they organize their daily life in different areas, such as work, recreation, nutrition, physical activity, and social relationships (Schroeder, 2007). A healthy lifestyle refers to the adoption of practices that contribute to maintaining and improving the physical and the mental health through behaviors such as a balanced diet, regular physical activity, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, managing stress effectively, and getting enough sleep of quality (Waxman, 2004). A healthy lifestyle aims to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve the overall quality of life.

a) Balanced diet

A balanced diet is a fundamental component of a healthy lifestyle, involving consuming various nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, quality proteins and healthy fats. A balanced diet helps maintain a healthy weight, prevent nutritional deficiencies and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers (Hu & Willett, 2002). Healthy eating also plays a crucial role in mental health, with a diet high in processed foods and added sugars being shown to be associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety. In contrast, a healthy diet may help prevent these conditions (Jacka et al., 2017).

b) Regular physical activity

Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining physical and mental health, positively impacting the cardiovascular, muscular, and respiratory function, as well as weight control and metabolic health (Lee et al., 2012). Exercise helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, and is associated with greater longevity (Warburton, Nicol & Bredin, 2006). Physical activity also positively affects the mental health, alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety and improving the mood, the energy and the sleep quality (Mammen & Faulkner, 2013).

c) Avoiding harmful behaviors

Giving up the harmful behaviors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Smoking is a leading cause of preventable mortality globally. It is responsible for numerous severe conditions, including cardiovascular disease, lung cancer and chronic respiratory disease (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2014). Quitting smoking has immediate and long-term benefits for both physical and mental health, reducing stress levels and the risk of depression (Taylor et al., 2014).

Moderate consumption or avoidance of alcohol also helps maintain physical and mental health. Alcohol, in large quantities, may have adverse effects on the liver, heart and brain, being associated with an increased risk of liver disease, cancer, and neurocognitive disorders (Rehm et al., 2010). Moderate consumption or avoidance of alcohol supports the optimal functioning of the body and may prevent the development of severe conditions.

d) Mental health promotion and stress management

The mental health is a fundamental aspect of a healthy lifestyle. Stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, and cognitive behavioral therapy are effective in reducing the symptoms of the anxiety and depression and improving quality of life (Goyal et al., 2014). Sleeping and maintaining the healthy social relationships are also crucial for the mental health, contributing to overall well-being and preventing mental disorders (World Health Organization, 2013).

Adopting a healthy lifestyle, characterized by a balanced diet, regular physical activity, avoiding harmful behaviors and promoting the mental health, is essential for maintaining and improving the physical and mental health. The research suggests that these practices may prevent many chronic diseases and improve quality of life, emphasizing the importance of health behaviors tailored to each individual’s needs and preferences.

Effects of increased physical activity

According to the World Health Organization (2022), the physical activity is any movement produced by skeletal muscles that results in energy expenditure. This encompasses all types of movement, whether during leisure, commuting, or work-related activities. Engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity positively affects the health. Regular exercise may help to prevent the cardiovascular diseases, assist in managing diabetes and certain cancers and enhance the mental health, the quality of life and the overall well-being.

The physical activity is a vital part of making lifestyle changes. However, its importance is often underestimated or overlooked by both patients and mental health practitioners. Research suggests that exercise is frequently a neglected component of mental health treatment (Callaghan, 2004). Studies have demonstrated that aerobic exercises, such as jogging, swimming, cycling, walking, gardening, and dancing, may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression (DiLorenzo et al., 1999). These positive effects on mood are primarily attributed to increased blood flow to the brain and its impact on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates the body’s stress response (Stranahan, Lee & Mattson, 2008). This impact is observed through the interaction of the HPA axis with various brain regions, including the limbic system, which influences motivation and mood; the amygdala, which generates fear responses; and the hippocampus, which is critical for memory formation and mood regulation.

The advantages of regular physical activity, which all mental health professionals should highlight, include better sleep, greater endurance, reduced stress, improved mood, increased energy levels and alertness, weight loss, lower cholesterol and enhanced cardiovascular health.

Strong evidence shows that physical activity lowers the risk of cognitive decline in adults and older individuals, with those who engage in daily exercise experiencing a 20-30% reduced risk of developing dementia (Laurin, Verreault, Lindsay, MacPherson & Rockwood, 2001).

The duration and intensity of exercise to boost health varies by age. WHO (2022) recommends between 150 and 300 minutes of moderate physical activity or between 75 and 150 minutes of vigorous activity per week, or a combination thereof, for people aged 18 to 64. It is also recommended to include at least two weekly muscle strengthening sessions for all core muscle groups and reduce sedentary time by replacing it with physical activity of any intensity for additional health benefits.

Exercise may offer advantages over antidepressants, with fewer side effects and possibly less stigma. The physical activity is accessible to everyone, involves low costs, and provides an effective self-management method.

Healthy weight

Weight is closely related to almost all functions of our body. Maintaining a healthy weight allows your bones, muscles, brain, heart and other organs to function efficiently and smoothly over the long term. Body mass index (BMI) calculates the appropriate weight for a person’s height and is a good indicator of health risk (Nuttall, 2015).

Obesity, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2023), is characterized by an excessive accumulation of body fat and is a widespread and expensive health issue in the United States. It is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, various cancers and early mortality. According to the World Health Organization, a “normal” weight is indicated by a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9, “overweight” or “pre-obesity” is indicated by a BMI between 25.0 and 29.9, and “obesity” is defined as having a BMI of 30 or above. Obesity is further divided into Class I (BMI of 30.0 to 34.9), Class II (BMI of 35.0 to 39.9), and Class III (BMI of 40 or more) (World Health Organization, 2022).

Individuals with obesity often experience not only physical health issues but also higher rates of mood and anxiety disorders. Research has found that adults who are overweight have a 55% greater chance of developing depression during their lifetime compared to those who maintain a healthy weight (Luppino et al., 2010). Other studies have linked being overweight with an increased likelihood of major depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, and agoraphobia (Simon et al., 2006).

Obesity impacts nearly every aspect of a person’s health, leading to a shorter lifespan, chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease, as well as issues related to sexual function, breathing, mood, and social interactions. However, it is essential to note that obesity is not always a permanent state. Weight loss may be achieved through diet modifications, physical activity, medication or surgical procedur

The effects of smoking on health

Regardless of the way of consumption, whether through smoking or chewing, tobacco represents a significant health risk. Tobacco products contain many harmful substances, including acetone, tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide. Tobacco use affects almost every organ in the body, contributes to numerous diseases, and generally reduces the health status of smokers.

According to the World Health Organization (2022), tobacco is responsible for the death of more than 8 million people annually. Of these, more than 7 million deaths are caused by direct tobacco use, and approximately 1.2 million deaths result from exposure of nonsmokers to secondhand smoke. All forms of tobacco pose significant health risks, with no exposure level considered safe. Smoking is the most widespread form of tobacco consumption globally.

Smokers have a significantly higher risk than non-smokers of developing cardiovascular conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. Tobacco use leads to deterioration of the general health, increased absenteeism at work, and increased use and costs of health care services. Even low consumption, less than five cigarettes a day, may cause early signs of cardiovascular disease. Smoking affects blood vessels, causing them to thicken and narrow, leading to increased heart rate and blood pressure and the formation of blood clots (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2014).

In the long term, smoking may reduce the level of dopamine produced by the brain, leading to an increased need to smoke to maintain the dopamine levels. The effects of tobacco use may also worsen the mental health problems, including addiction, stress, depression and schizophrenia. A study published in the Psychological Medicine (Wootton et al., 2020) found that smokers have almost twice the risk of developing depression or schizophrenia compared to non-smokers.

Quitting tobacco not only provides significant benefits for the physical health but also may support the treatment of behavioral disorders and improve the mental health.

Effects of alcohol consumption on health

According to the World Health Organization (2023), alcohol is a toxic and psychoactive substance with the potential to induce addiction. In many contemporary societies, the consumption of alcoholic beverages is commonly integrated into the social context, being prevalent in environments of high visibility and influence, both nationally and internationally, where alcohol is frequently associated with socializing. In this setting, the adverse health effects of alcohol consumption may often be ignored or overlooked.

Alcohol may be considered both a tonic and a poison, the difference being mainly the dosage. Moderate alcohol consumption may have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system and may protect against type 2 diabetes and gallstones. Conversely, excessive alcohol consumption is a significant cause of mortality, being associated with liver and heart damage, harming the developing fetus, increasing the risk of breast and other cancers, and contributing to depression, violence, and the deterioration of interpersonal relationships (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 2022).

Terms used in the literature, such as “moderate” or “one drink,” have generated controversy regarding the impact of alcohol on health. Some studies define “moderate drinking” as less than one drink per day, while others consider 3 to 4 drinks per day. Also, the definition of a “drink” varies considerably, with no universal consensus among alcohol researchers (Kloner & Rezkalla, 2007).

In the United States, a standard drink contains 14 grams of pure alcohol. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2020) recommends that adults of legal drinking age opt for either abstinence or moderate drinking, defined as no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women, on days when alcohol is consumed.

The excessive alcohol consumption may cause inflammation of the liver (alcoholic hepatitis) and lead to liver fibrosis (cirrhosis), a potentially fatal condition; it may also increase the blood pressure and damage the myocardium (cardiomyopathy). Even a moderate consumption may carry risks, including the sleep disturbance, the impaired judgment and some dangerous interactions with certain medications.

Alcohol interferes with neural communication pathways, affecting both the brain structure and function. Alcohol consumption compromises the functioning of the brain regions responsible for balance, memory, speech, and judgment, increasing the risk of injuries and other negative consequences. The chronic alcohol consumption causes neuronal changes, including a reduction in neuron size (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 2022).

However, research into the effects of alcohol on the brain has shown that the brain itself has a remarkable capacity for recovery after cessation of consumption. Studies suggest that after two weeks of abstinence, the effects on the gray matter, which shrinks from alcohol abuse, begin to reverse. However, in certain situations, significant health damage may persist. It is reasonable to assume that individuals with a history of alcohol abuse must manage the multiple associated physical, emotional, and social challenges, even after cessation of use, for a considerable period.

Self-image and self-esteem

The self-image refers to a person’s perception and evaluation of their identity, including physical appearance, personality, and abilities. This concept encompasses the individual’s beliefs and attitudes toward himself and may be influenced by several factors, such as past experiences, cultural and social norms and personal values. The self-image is not a fixed construct; it may vary over time, being affected by the internal and external factors. It is fundamental to mental health and overall well-being, impacting many areas of life, such as interpersonal relationships, careers, and physical and mental health.

The American Psychological Association (2023) describes self-image as a person’s conception or view of himself or herself. This is an essential component of the individual’s personality, influencing the success of relationships and the general well-being. A negative self-image may lead to dysfunction and to self-destructive or self-defeating behaviors.

M. Zlate defines self-image as “the collection of representations, ideas, and beliefs that a person holds about his/hers own personality” (Zlate, 1997, p. 53). He also suggests that “the self-image serves as an integrator and organizer of an individual’s psychological life, playing a crucial role in the selection of values and goals; it acts as the central core of a personality, providing a consistent reference point and an essential guidance” (Zlate, 1997, p. 53). During childhood, the self-image is shaped primarily by what the person “wants to become.” In contrast, in adulthood, it tends to be centered around “what the person is or has been, what they do or have done” (Zlate, 1997, p. 54).

The self-image is “the set of representations related to one’s own body, characterized by cognitive processing, coherence, and organization” (Dodan, 2004, p. 15). It consists of two primary components: a physical aspect and a psychological aspect. These components complement one another but and interact and influence each other dynamically. They may exist in states of harmony or conflict, coordination or subordination, but each holds equal significance within the complex framework of an individual’s life (Golu, 1993, p. 198).

Our self-image may be influenced by various factors, including personal experiences (childhood, past relationships, traumatic events), social interactions (feedback from others), and cultural and social norms which set standards for appearance, behavior, and success. Mirror reflection may provide an accurate or distorted image of oneself, leading to the development of a positive or negative self-image. Perceived strengths and weaknesses affect the actual behavior. A positive self-image means recognizing and embracing one’s qualities and potential while remaining realistic about one’s limitations. A negative self-image involves focusing on flaws, failures, and imperfections, which may diminish physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being (Farrar, Stopa & Turner, 2015).

There is an often confusion between self-image and self-esteem, so it is essential to clarify the difference between them: self-image refers to our perception about ourselves. In contrast, the self-esteem is the general respect for oneself and our feelings about our personal worth. Self-image is a component of self-esteem.

Self-esteem was first described by William James (1890) as representing the feeling of positive self-regard that develops when the individuals consistently achieve or exceed essential goals. This definition remains relevant even today, with self-esteem being considered the evaluative aspect of the self-knowledge, reflecting the degree to which a person likes and considers himself competent.

High self-esteem indicates a favorable view of the self, while low self-esteem refers to the insecure or negative self-evaluations. These levels of self-esteem may reflect a person’s objective attributes and achievements or may be independent of any objective assessment (Zeigler-Hill, 2013).

Kille and Wood (2012) suggest that self-esteem may be understood as either a trait or a state. As a trait, the self-esteem consists of global and relatively stable evaluations of the self, comparable to other personality traits and remarkably stable in adulthood. As a state, self-esteem represents constant self-evaluations, it is more fragile and malleable, and it is susceptible to rapid changes following failures or rejections. Self-esteem may be global (overall self-view) or domain-specific (e.g., school, work, sports). For example, a loss in a tennis match may affect sport-related self-esteem but not the global self-esteem.

Individuals differ not only in levels of trait of self-esteem but also in the degree of variability of self-esteem around a baseline. Those with relatively stable self-esteem tend to have better mental health and experience less depression than those with unstable self-esteem, even when initial levels of self-esteem are comparable. Therefore, it is beneficial not only to have a positive self-evaluation but also to have a consistent one (Kernis, 2006).

Objectives and assumptions

The primary purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which a healthy lifestyle influences the self-perception and to analyze how the personality traits impact adherence to a healthy lifestyle.

A significant positive correlation is hypothesized between adopting a healthy lifestyle and self-perception.

A significant gender difference in adopting a healthy lifestyle is anticipated.

Study participants

This study was conducted on a sample of 100 participants, of which 47 were male and 53 were female, aged between 18 and 61 years, the average age being 34.5 years.

Research tools

For this research, two tools were used: an interview designed to identify the healthy lifestyle and the “Unconditional Acceptance of One’s Own Person Questionnaire – USAQ” in order to assess the participants’ self-esteem.

Analysis and interpretation of results

Hypothesis 1. There is a positive correlation between the Healthy Lifestyle and the self-perception.

Table 1

Normality test Healthy lifestyle and Unconditional acceptance (Tests of Normality) (to see Table 1, please click here)

After testing the normality of the distributions of the two variables, we concluded by looking at the p-value from Table 1 that we have at least one non-normal distribution, namely the one from the Healthy Lifestyle variable, with a value of p<0.05. In order to continue testing the hypothesis, we used the non-parametric Spearman method.

Table 2

Spearman test result for Healthy Lifestyle and Unconditional Acceptance (Correlations) (to see Table 2, please click here)

Figure 1

Point cloud for the Healthy Lifestyle and Unconditional Acceptance variables (to see Figure 1, please click here)

The test results indicate a significant positive correlation between the two variables, with a correlation coefficient of 0.476 and a p-value < 0.01. These results confirm the first hypothesis, which assumed the existence of a positive correlation between the variables “Healthy lifestyle” and “Unconditional acceptance of one’s person.”

The self-perception refers to how individuals self-assess their physical, emotional, and cognitive attributes. Adopting a healthy lifestyle may positively impact this perception through some various mechanisms. Engaging in exercise and healthy eating may improve physical appearance, energy levels, and overall well-being, fostering a more positive self-perception and increased satisfaction with one’s body and abilities. In addition, the self-care through healthy lifestyle choices may strengthen one’s sense of self-respect and self-acceptance, thereby contributing to improved the self-perception. Also, achieving the personal health goals it may boost the self-esteem by strengthening confidence in personal abilities and self-control.

As an essential element of a healthy lifestyle, nutrition plays a fundamental role in well-being, crucial for the optimal functioning of the brain, which requires a variety of nutrients. An inadequate diet may lead to chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, factors associated with the development and progression of mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. Eating a diet rich in processed foods, unhealthy fats, and sugars may aggravate these processes. In contrast, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats may exert the anti-inflammatory and the antioxidant effects, thus contributing to a better cognitive health.

The gut-brain axis, a two-way communication system, emphasizes the close connection between the gut and the brain, which is why the gut is often called the “second brain.” The gut microbiota, made up of trillions of bacteria in the digestive tract, may influence the brain function and the mental health. Research suggests that the diversity and composition of the gut bacteria may affect mood, behavior and mental well-being. A healthy diet, especially one rich in fiber and fermented foods, supports a diverse and beneficial gut microbiota with a positive impact on the mental health.

Unhealthy behaviors such as smoking and drinking alcohol also affect the self-perception. They not only affect the physical health but may also influence the self-esteem and the mental health. Nicotine, present in cigarettes, is addictive, eroding the self-esteem. Smoking becomes a difficult habit to control, and awareness of the risks associated with it may generate feelings of helplessness and diminishing the self-esteem. Although alcohol may initially temporarily increase the self-esteem by reducing inhibitions and social anxiety, dependence on alcohol as a coping mechanism may hurt self-esteem, inducing a sense of loss of control and inadequacy.

These conclusions were backed by research, such as the study by Knox and Muros (2017), which explored the link between the adherence to the Mediterranean diet, the physical activity, and the self-esteem. The study found that promoting these behaviors among adolescents may lead to improvements in self-esteem, along with other health benefits. Additionally, strategies which focus on enhancing physical and psychological well-being and fostering a positive school environment may increase the success of such interventions (Caamaño-Navarrete et al., 2022). Evidence also suggests a positive relationship between maintaining a healthy lifestyle and self-esteem.

A further support for the connection between the physical activity and the self-esteem comes from four randomized trials that showed a significant positive effect (grade I), particularly those with initially low self-esteem (Hughes, 1984). Beyond the benefits for self-esteem, Richard Shipway and Immy Holloway (2010) noted in their study that long-distance running may be a valuable tool for the mood regulation, offering a calming and relaxing activity with the aim to help manage daily stress and life’s challenges.

Hypothesis 2. There is a significant difference between female and male personnel regarding scores for the Healthy Lifestyle variable.

Table 3

Distribution normality test for the variable Healthy lifestyle (Tests of Normality) (to see Table 3, please click here)

We may see in Table 3 that after applying the Shapiro-Wilk test for small samples, for the male gender, we have a non-normal distribution with p = 0.029 < 0.05, and for the female gender, we have a normal distribution with p = 0.240 > 0.05. We continue our hypothesis testing using a non-parametric method.

Table 4

Mann-Whitney test results (Test Statistics) (to see Table 4, please click here)

The results presented in Table 4 show that the hypothesis is confirmed, the p-value being < 0.01, which indicates a significant difference between the two genders in terms of scores for the variable “Healthy Lifestyle.”

If we discuss about adopting a healthy lifestyle, research has identified specific general trends and patterns which distinguish women from men in their health choices. Women tend to have a more pronounced interest in nutrition and are more likely to follow specific diets or consciously try to maintain a healthy diet. Generally, women are more aware of the importance of eating nutrient-dense foods and pay more attention to portion sizes and food quality. On the other hand, men are also concerned with nutrition but often focus on different aspects, such as protein intake for building muscle mass and having their dietary preferences and goals.

Regarding health proactivity, women are more inclined to have regular medical check-ups, especially in the reproductive health, and consult health professionals for various issues. Men, on the other hand, are less likely to seek medical attention and may avoid routine checkups until obvious symptoms or health problems appear.

Regarding mental health, women are more willing to prioritize and engage in self-care practices such as seeking therapy, practicing stress reduction techniques, and participating in activities that promote emotional well-being. Traditionally, men have been more reluctant to seek help for the mental health problems and more hesitant to adopt self-care practices due to societal norms related to masculinity. However, there is a growing recognition of the importance of mental health for all people, and attitudes are beginning to change.

In general, men have a more pronounced tendency to be engaged in risky behaviors such as excessive alcohol consumption and substance abuse. However, some research suggests that men are more likely to participate in vigorous physical activities such as weight lifting, team sports, and high-intensity exercise. At the same time, women tend to prefer activities such as yoga, dancing, and aerobic exercise.

It is essential to note that these observations were based on general trends and were not universally applicable to every individual. Several factors influence each person’s choices and behaviors, including culture, personal preferences, socioeconomic status and individual circumstances. A healthy lifestyle should be tailored to the individual needs and preferences, regardless of gender.

This study which was conducted by Bothmer and Fridlund (2005), on a sample of 479 participants, confirms this hypothesis, showing that women more frequently adopt healthy behaviors, such as limiting alcohol consumption and a proper diet, compared to men, who presented a higher prevalence of obesity and less interest in nutritional recommendations and health promotion activities. Another study by Bärebring and colleagues (Bärebring, Palmqvist, Winkvist, & Augustin, 2020) indicates that women have a more cautious attitude towards some products such as sugar, gluten, food additives, and dyes and tend to pay more attention to information about nutrition, prioritizing a healthy lifestyle to a greater extent than men.

However, some studies have not identified significant gender differences (Rensburg., Surujlal, 2013) or they did not suggest that the gender differences in health behaviors were diminished when factors such as education and marital status are considered (Johnson, 2005).

Conclusion

This study highlights that adopting a healthy lifestyle significantly impacts the self-perception, demonstrating that people who engage in regular physical activity, maintain a healthy body weight, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption develop a more favorable self-image. Regular physical activity helps to improve mood, increase the energy levels and reduce stress, beneficial for both physical and mental health. Maintaining a healthy body weight through a balanced diet and exercise is associated with a reduced risk of affective disorders such as depression and anxiety, which improves overall well-being and promotes a positive self-image.

Research also shows that avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption contributes to improved physical and mental health, reducing the risks associated with severe conditions and promoting overall well-being. Quitting smoking supports mental and behavioral health, reducing stress and depressive symptoms. Moderate alcohol consumption or abstinence from alcohol helps maintain optimal cognitive functioning and prevent adverse effects on brain and physical health.

The study also points out that a positive self-perception is closely related to a healthy lifestyle choices, and improved self-image may be boosted by adopting some appropriate health behaviors such as a healthy diet, regular exercises, and by avoiding harmful behaviors. At the same time, there are significant gender differences in adopting a healthy lifestyle. Women tend to adopt healthy behaviors more often and pay more attention to nutrition and mental health. At the same time, men are more likely to engage in vigorous physical activity but also in risky behaviors such as excessive alcohol consumption.

In conclusion, this research highlights the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle in order to improve self-perception. It suggests that both men and women may benefit from promoting health behaviors tailored to individual needs and preferences with the aim to achieve the optimal physical and mental well-being.

Competing interests

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relation-ships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Consent to participate

Informed written consent was obtained from each participant at the time of recruitment. The subjects were informed that they could withdraw from the study at any stage, and they were assured of confidentiality.

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