Differences between male and female weight loss

Author: Margarita Kuts - doctor-dietitian, gastroenterologist, and body mesotherapist.
2014-02-26

Sometimes, couples come to see me. I develop a nutrition plan, considering the gender and age of each. They start losing weight simultaneously, but women often come to me with the complaint: “Why is my husband losing weight much faster than I am?”

I understand the dissatisfaction of the fairer sex on this matter, but, like it or not, it is a law of nature – men lose weight faster. Let's talk in detail about why this is the case.

1. The male body is structured in such a way that the ability to burn fat reserves is much more efficient. This is due to a higher metabolism compared to women, the development of muscle mass, and different hormonal backgrounds.

Remember that fat is oxidized only in muscle cells? So, due to the well-developed musculature of men, fat is naturally burned off faster in them.

Men and women also gain weight differently. While women’s dietary excesses are stored more or less uniformly, men typically accumulate fat in their bellies. Their arms and legs tend to remain lean for a longer time. This type of obesity (abdominal) is more dangerous due to associated complications.

2. If we examine a man and a woman at the cellular level, there are significant differences here as well. First, women’s fat cells are larger than men’s. Second, the cellular enzymes operate differently. Women have more fat-storing enzymes that contribute to fat accumulation. In contrast, men have more fat-burning enzymes that help in fat loss.

As a result, women accumulate fat more quickly and part with it more slowly. Men gradually accumulate fat but lose it faster and more effectively.

3. Regarding hormones, it’s worth mentioning the female hormone progesterone. This hormone is responsible for ensuring pregnancy. Due to this, in the second phase of the menstrual cycle, progesterone prepares a woman’s body to accumulate fat stores, as if preparing for a possible pregnancy.

This is why women often experience intense hunger before their next menstruation. It is not advisable to lose weight during this period; it's even harmful. However, right after "those days" is the most favorable time to shed excess pounds.

In maintaining the achieved weight, men surpass us women. They find it easier to keep off the weight they have lost, but this is not their merit; it’s a feature of their body structure. However, men should remember that obesity is always associated with the development of severe complications: arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis, diabetes, etc.

From my own experience in support of the lovely ladies, I note that, as a rule, women are more motivated, patient, and possess very strong willpower. This, as a result, yields fruits in the form of a beautiful, toned figure. Although there are exceptions for both men and women.

In conclusion, dear readers, I want to say that regardless of your gender, the most important thing is to believe in yourself and your abilities. When a person persistently strives towards their goal, including weight loss, they will always achieve the long-awaited results. As the wise saying goes: “Perseverance and hard work will overcome everything!”