Weight Loss Management – Why Does it Seem to Be Easier for Men?
No doubt, many women have thought this – but is it true or just a myth? Do men have an advantage over women when it comes to weight loss management? The answer is yes and much of the reason why is rooted in biology. This doesn’t mean there aren’t things women can do to even up the score a bit but there are some contributing factors you can do nothing about. By understanding why weight loss management is easier for men, you will know which areas you can work on to accelerate your own weight loss. It may also help you to be less frustrated, knowing some of these factors are out of your control.
Genetics
Due to the naturally higher testosterone levels present in men, they have more muscle mass than women and less fat mass. Women, on the other hand, have higher levels of estrogen which contribute to them having more fat mass than men. Muscle burns more calories at rest than fat does. This means men are able to eat more while maintaining their normal weight. It also means that with diet and exercise, they can shed pounds faster than women. Even when cutting back on their food intake, men naturally burn more calories than women. So, even when following the same diet, it’s not uncommon for a man to lose more weight than a woman.
A study published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism tracked 2000+ overweight adults for 8 weeks. Participants were prediabetic and followed the same 800 calorie diet which primarily consisted of soups, shakes, hot cereals, and a daily intake of 1.5 cups (375 grams) of low-calorie vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce. At the end of the 8-week study, 35% of the men and women had normal blood-glucose levels and no longer had prediabetes. The men lost an average of 26 pounds while the women lost an average of 22 pounds. Researchers also found that the men had a greater reduction in heart rate, blood pressure, the risk for diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
What Should Women Do?
Strength training can be a game-changer when it comes to weight loss management. When you lose weight, half of that loss is muscle, which decreases the rate at which you burn calories. By building muscle, women can increase this rate and improve their overall health. Also, by the time we reach the age of 30, both men and women begin to naturally lose muscle. This loss has a bigger impact on women as they have less muscle mass initially. With less muscle to burn fat, diet alone can be slow at yielding your desired results. So it’s important to incorporate strength training into your weight loss management routine.
While it goes without saying that you should watch what you eat and monitor your calorie intake, women can sometimes be faced with more temptation than men. Even with today’s busy lifestyles, women are often the ones in charge of the kitchen duties – everything from planning, shopping and preparing family meals. This provides them with ample opportunity to nibble, taste, and ultimately consume more calories. It’s important to resist the lure of snacking while in the kitchen and keep taste-testing to a minimum. You might even want your man to do some of the taste-testing – after all, his muscle mass can handle a few extra calories.
It’s also important to approach weight loss management with the right attitude. Women tend to be harder on themselves. They will beat themselves up over a few extra pounds or the occasional diversion from their diet. This is counterproductive and it won’t help motivate you. It will just diminish your self-worth and leave you feeling depressed. To control your weight and improve your health, you need to remain positive and focus on your goal.
Weight Loss Management Professionals
Losing weight can’t be tough and sometimes you can use a little help. If you haven’t had any weight loss success on your own, it might be time to consult with your doctor. Self-supervised weight loss plans don’t work for everyone. Your doctor can determine if a medical weight loss plan is right for you.
Long-term success will depend on permanent changes in your day-to-day life. The hardest part, however, is the first step. Getting started on your weight loss journey must begin somewhere. At Vive Aesthetics and Wellness, that first step starts at your consultation. Dr. Pinto’s philosophy is to give you the jumpstart you need to achieve and then maintain a healthy weight. Just because the guys might be able to do it faster with a little less effort, that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to achieve your weight loss goal!
