10 Reasons Men Lose Weight Faster Than Women
Here are ten reasons men lose weight faster than women, plus three fat burning tips for females.
“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.
The answer to her question is below, neatly tied into a “10 reasons men lose weight faster than women” article! For more info about this nutritionist, click on 10 Steps to Healthy Eating - in total, Beck has written six books on health and wellness! And, read on to learn ten reasons why men lose weight faster than women…
10 Reasons Men Lose Weight Faster Than Women
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. Men lose weight faster than women 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.” For women, losing weight involves watching food intake — read The Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet Plan for help burning fat.
4. Men don’t diet as often as women. Dieting slows metabolism – and women are more likely to diet to lose weight than men. Cutting calories burns muscle and triggers hormonal changes, which promotes fat storage…so dieting and fasting is NOT a fat burning tip for females!
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.” But, I have to say that I’ve lost an unbelievable amount of weight with my Pilates DVD exercises!
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 is another reason men lose weight faster than women. Plus, men are less likely to eat for emotional reasons (stress, anxiety, sadness, boredom…which is not a fat burning tip for females).
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.” If you need help building your body confidence, read 5 Tips for Building a Healthy Body Image.
3 Fat Burning Tips for Females
- Eat foods that keep you feeling full longer. Learn satiety tips that help you lose weight by keeping you feeling full. For more info, read Satiety Tips- How to Feel Full Without Overeating.
- 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 fat burning tip for females is to separate emotional hunger and physical hunger, and feed one hungry beast at a time.
- Weigh yourself regularly. To stay motivated to lose weight, a highly debated 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!).
Do you have questions or thoughts about these reasons men lose weight faster than women? Please comment below…
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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.