Why weight loss is harder for women than men

Men are losers – as in men lose weight faster and more of it when compared to women on a diet. Most women would agree with this. When women and men go on a weight loss challenge together, almost nine times out of ten, the man will lose more weight and quicker than his female counterpart.  Is it lack of motivation, not trying hard enough, or being unable to avoid temptation for certain foods that women struggle with?  No, no, and no. 

Women can take heart – a recent study published in the Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism journal found that after two month on a low-calorie diet, men lost an average of 26 pounds, while women dropped 4 pounds less or 22 pounds.

All of us can have roadblocks that get in our way of losing unwanted pounds.  But for women, it can be especially frustrating for several reasons.  The biggest reason – their genetic makeup.  Women face special challenges that men will never have to.  Men already have an advantage over women when it comes to weight loss.  Men are larger and have more muscle than women due to the hormone testosterone.  They are also genetically designed to have a higher percentage of muscle and less fat which works in favor of keeping them fit and allowing them to eat more calories.  The more muscle a person has, the more calories they burn, even at rest, so it stands to reason that men will lose weight faster simply because they have more metabolically active muscle.

So what are the factors making it harder for women to lose weight than men?

·      The effect of pregnancy

Naturally, when a woman becomes pregnant, she gains weight and more body fat.  Her body is preparing her for nurturing the baby with breastmilk so having a higher percent body fat helps ensure she is able to produce enough to feed her baby.  Add in the fact that during the first few months after birth, a new mother may have difficulty finding time to exercise and get adequate sleep – both necessary for shedding extra pounds.

However, if a new mom does decide to breastfeed, this can be a good way to burn extra calories triggering a significant loss of weight as long as she is choosing healthy foods. 

Women who retain a few excess pounds after each birth may also find it harder to lose the “baby fat” later down the road.

·      Slower metabolic rate

Women naturally have a higher body fat percentage than men necessary for childbearing and estrogen production. They also have less muscle mass than men.  Metabolic rate is driven by the amount of muscle mass. With the combination of a higher percent body fat and less muscle mass,  women are destined to have a metabolic rate that often is not up to speed like a man’s is.  This in turn, affects her metabolic rate or how many calories a person burns while at rest.

·      Menopause menace

Menopause is another time in a woman’s life making it difficult but not impossible for getting fit.  Declining estrogen levels associated with approaching menopause is one of the major factors leading to what women have nicknamed “menopot” belly.  Instead of depositing fat to the hips and thighs, there is a shift towards the midriff.  The fat accumulating in her middle is known as visceral fat which lies deep down, padding the space between abdominal organs.  However, high levels of visceral fat is associated with metabolic disturbances and raises her risk for type 2 diabetes and breast cancer or even dementia.  High stress brings about elevated levels of cortisol which in turn triggers abdominal fat. 

·      PCOS struggles

Between 5 and 10 percent of women have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).  This is a combination characterized by a hormonal imbalance making weight loss more difficult and causes menstrual irregularity.

How women can overcome weight loss challenges

Despite the struggles women may face when attempting weight loss, there are still plenty of ways to fight off weight gain and prevail:

·      Include weight training

One of the best ways boosting weight loss success is to lift weights.  This will help build muscle mass helping to burn more calories.  Resistance training should occur at least twice a week for 20 to 30 minutes per session.  This is especially important as a woman grows older since metabolism naturally slows down and everyone will lose muscle as they age.

·      Stay away from fad diets

Any diet promising quick results (such as losing 20 pounds in two weeks), eliminates food groups (like allowing no dairy or grains), or says exercise is not necessary, is considered a fad diet.  Instead, women (and men) should follow a well-balanced meal plan such as the Mediterranean diet.  Fad diets are not meant to follow long-term so once a person goes off of it, they have learned very little, and will go back to their old way of eating with the weight they may have lost, eventually gained back. 

·      Choose a sustained weight loss plan

The best weight loss plan not only helps a person lose some weight but prevents them from gaining it back.  Studies show that most weight loss plans should result in a 5 to 10 percent weight loss within a year if you stick with it.  If you are not seeing results, then it’s time to try a different plan that fits your lifestyle. 

Consider working with a Registered Dietitian who can tailor a meal plan that is balanced and nutritious.  Healthy weight loss meal plans should include lean proteins, healthy fats, limited simple carbs (sugar, white bread, sweetened drinks) and lots of vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables.