Do men lose weight faster than women?

When embarking on weight loss journeys, some women notice that their male counterparts are shedding the pounds faster. This can be frustrating and motivation-crushing.

But this observation isn’t merely anecdotal; research confirms that men typically lose weight faster than women due to several physiological factors.

One of the main reasons is differing muscle mass.

“Men generally have more lean muscle mass, which means they burn more calories at rest than women,” says Dr. Shereen Mohis, a family medicine and medical weight management physician at Aurora Health Care. “That higher muscle-to-fat ratio gives them a metabolic edge when it comes to losing weight.”

Dr. Mohis also notes that men are often more likely to engage in strength training, which builds muscle and further boosts metabolism. In contrast, women may focus more on cardiovascular exercises, which is beneficial but doesn’t contribute as significantly to muscle building.

Hormones also play a crucial role in how the body stores and burns fat.

The primary female sex hormone estrogen promotes fat storage. This fat distribution is essential for reproductive purposes but can make weight loss more challenging.

“Women often face more hormonal fluctuations that can impact appetite and energy levels,” Dr. Mohis explains. “So, it’s not just about willpower. Biology plays a big role in how our bodies respond to diet and exercise.”

Estrogen also has different effects on the body at different ages.

“Ironically, when the estrogen levels drop off after menopause, the basal metabolic rate goes down and women tend to gain more weight in the mid-section,” Dr. Mohis says.

On the other hand, men have higher levels of testosterone, which aids in muscle growth and fat burning. This advantage allows men to build muscle more efficiently and burn fat more effectively.

The way fat is stored and lost also differs between men and women.

Men tend to accumulate fat in the abdominal area, known as visceral fat, which is more metabolically active and easier to lose through diet and exercise. Women store more subcutaneous fat in the hips, thighs and buttocks, which is harder to burn.

While men may have physiological advantages in weight loss, women can still achieve their goals. Incorporating strength training into fitness routines can help women build muscle mass, thereby increasing their metabolic rate. Additionally, being mindful of your hormonal cycles and adjusting diet and exercise plans accordingly can enhance weight loss efforts.

If you need additional weight loss guidance, consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian.

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