Why Men Lose Weight Easier Than Women, Plus a Few Weight Loss Tips
Have you noticed that men shed pounds quicker and easier than women? It’s true, and a leading nutritionist explains why. Here, Leslie Beck describes 7 reasons it’s more difficult to lose weight for women.
“Why is it that a woman only has to look at a decadent dessert to feel the pounds creeping on, while all a man has to do is cut back on portions - or hit the gym a few times a week - to watch the pounds fall off?” asks Canadian dietician Leslie Beck. (For more information on this nutritionist and writer, click on the book cover. Beck has written six books on health and wellness).
Here’s why it’s easier for men to lose weight - and a few weight loss tips for women.
Why Men Lose Weight Easier Than Women, Plus a Few Weight Loss Tips
1. It’s in their genes. “Men are genetically hardwired to shed weight faster than women. Men are more prone to build muscle, thanks to higher levels of the hormone testosterone. Because men have more muscle mass, they also have a higher resting metabolism,” says nutritionist Leslie Beck. “Muscle burns more calories than fat, so the more muscle you have in relation to body fat, the higher your resting metabolism.”
2. Men have less estrogen. Women don’t lose weight as quickly as men because women have more estrogen, which is a hormone that keeps fat on women’s bodies. Estrogen and body fat make it easier to get pregnant.
3. Men can lose weight through exercise alone. “A study of 962 men and women enrolled in a two-year weight loss program found that exercise alone was enough to help men lose weight,” says Beck. “In women, however, even substantial increases in exercise weren’t enough to produce weight loss if they didn’t reduce their calorie intake.”
4. Men don’t diet as often as women. Dieting slows metabolism - and women are more likely to diet as a weight loss aid than men. Cutting calories burns muscle and triggers hormonal changes, which promotes fat storage.
5. Men are more likely to exercise to lose weight. “A male approach to losing weight may also lead to better results. Men are more likely to include regular exercise, which appears to do more than increase one’s calorie deficit,” says Beck. “One study found that men who exercised and dieted had more self-restraint and experienced less hunger compared with men who followed a diet-only program. Women in the study didn’t experience the psychological benefits of exercise.”
6. Men like different comfort foods. Women crave packaged foods, chocolate, sweets, and breads - foods that are easier to overeat. In contrast, men prefer comfort foods that mom used to make: meat and potatoes, and home-cooked meals. This makes weight loss for men easier. Further, men are less likely to eat for emotional reasons (stress, anxiety, sadness, boredom).
7. Men have fewer body image issues. “Women often set out to lose weight in the hopes of improving appearance, while men are more likely to be concerned about their future health and fitness. As a result, men are often less focused on the bathroom scale,” says nutritionist Leslie Beck. “Improvements in strength or a looser waistband are often enough to motivate men to stick to their program. But women tend to beat themselves up over a few extra pounds, which deflates self-confidence and self-worth.”
Weight Loss Tips for Women
- Eat foods that keep you feeling full longer. Learn about satiety solutions, which help you lose weight by keeping you feeling full.
- Stop emotional eating! I’ve always wished I could eat anything and not gain an ounce - like my husband. But he doesn’t stuff himself until he’s bursting, and he doesn’t eat to soothe his feelings of boredom, sadness, or anxiety. A great weight loss tip for women is to separate emotional hunger and physical hunger, and feed one hungry beast at a time.
- Weight yourself regularly. To stay motivated, a somewhat controversial weight loss tip for women is to hop on the scale every few days. Me, I like knowing what I weigh because I do eat less on my heavier days. It works as motivation to cut down on the cookies and chips (despite Beck’s admonition not to focus on the bathroom scale!).
If you found Why Men Lose Weight Easier Than Women, Plus a Few Weight Loss Tips helpful, try:
- “Who You Are” and Fitness: How to Find Your Exercise Personality
- 5 Surprising & Quick Weight Loss Tips: From Fitness Plans to Full-Scale Surprises
- Fitness Myths & Facts from a Professional Personal Trainer
Comment by David P. Morrow on 31 July 2008:
While men may find it easier to lose weight…women can certainly achieve their weight loss and health & fitness goals.
1 - Get a firm ‘mental lock’ on the goal(s).
2 - Fuel your body properly. Balanced and structured for weight loss without sacrificing energy.
3 - Get physical and take some action.
With a proper positive state of mind, good dietary choices, and active lifestyle (exercise)…goals can be achieved.
Comment by Miley-Cyrus-Fan on 1 August 2008:
hmm.. thank you very much. usefull information
Comment by Janet22 on 3 August 2008:
Cool. It took almost a day to find this info. Thanks! Good job.