Background:
The aim of the study was to gain insight into the health-enhancing and health-risking behaviors of tourism and recreation students. The paper examines gender differences in the prevalence of dietary behaviors, sedentary behaviors, physical activity and the risk of tobacco smoking.

Material and methods:
The study included 332 students at the University WSB Merito of Wrocław, Poland. The author’s questionnaire was combined with a selection of questions used in Health Behavior in School-aged Children, a World Health Organization Collaborative Study.

Results:
The survey showed positive behaviors: 53.3% of students ate breakfast daily, 43% consumed fruits, 37.3% ate vegetables, and most limited sweets (57.5%) and soft drinks (75%) to once a week. Around 51.5% engaged in physical activity five to six times weekly, with 13.6% exercising daily, averaging 45-60 minutes per session. Most (86.1%) hadn’t smoked tobacco. However, 94.8% spent over two hours daily on screens, and less than 15% took breaks. Fast food remained popular, with 53.8% consuming it regularly.

Conclusions:
The data showed gender differences: men exercised more, preferred longer workouts, spent less time on screens, ate breakfast daily, and consumed fewer sweets. Women smoked less, ate more fruits and vegetables, and consumed less fast food. Enhancing health education for students could help maximize health potential.