Physical activity and energy intake in adolescents: Gender differences and dietary pattern clustering in an ongoing nutrition transition

Background Adolescence is a critical period for developing healthy lifestyle behaviors. Understanding the relationship between physical activity and energy intake is essential for promoting health and preventing early onset of metabolic risk. Objective This study examines gender differences in the associations between physical activity and energy intake among adolescents, alongside dietary pattern clustering during an ongoing nutrition transition. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 447 plausible respondents aged 13–15 years. Energy intake was assessed using a validated FFQ, physical activity using the PAQ-A, and dietary patterns identified through principal component analysis (PCA). Statistical analyses included ANOVA, correlation, and regression. Results Energy intake differed significantly by physical activity level (p = 0.002) and gender (p < 0.001), but not by area (p = 0.73). PCA identified three dietary patterns explaining 65% of variance: plant-based traditional, mixed, and processed/junk-food. Their coexistence reflects an ongoing nutrition transition among adolescents. The interaction between gender and physical activity was significant (p = 0.034), indicating stronger intake-activity linkage among males. Conclusions Energy consumption among adolescents is primarily influenced by physical activity and gender, reflecting behavioral rather than geographic determinants. The coexistence of traditional and modern dietary patterns indicates an ongoing nutrition transition requiring gender-responsive and school-based health education strategies integrated into national adolescent nutrition programs.