How Women Differ From Men When It Comes to Weight Loss

Losing weight can be challenging for both men and women. Though both genders can lose weight, there are some key differences. Men tend to lose weight faster and more easily than women, and women often face unique challenges that can make weight loss more difficult. 

If you’re overweight, shedding excess pounds is incredibly beneficial for your health, including reducing blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol, as well as boosting energy. Working with a medical provider increases weight loss success. 

At Voss Family Clinic in Sugar Land, Texas, family medicine physician Dr. Jinny Narula, and Leslie Byrd, FNP takes great care in helping patients reach their weight loss and health goals. 

In this post, our team discusses some ways women and men differ when it comes to weight loss.

Battle of body fat

Women and men have different body fat distributions. Women tend to have more subcutaneous fat, which is found just under the skin. This type of fat is harder to lose because it is more stubborn and takes longer to burn off.

Men, on the other hand, tend to have more visceral fat, which is found deep within the abdomen and around organs. This type of fat is easier to lose, as it responds well to diet and exercise.

Hormones: A hidden culprit

Hormones play a significant role in weight loss. Women have more estrogen, which can lead to more body fat storage. Estrogen also affects insulin sensitivity, which can lead to increased hunger and cravings. Women may also experience weight fluctuations during their menstrual cycle because of changes in hormone levels.

On the other hand, men have more testosterone, which can aid in weight loss. Testosterone can increase muscle mass, which leads to a higher metabolism. 

Muscle mass matters

Muscle mass is another significant factor in weight loss. Men have more muscle mass than women, giving them a higher resting metabolic rate. This means that men burn more calories at rest than women, even if they have the same body weight and height.

To combat this difference, women can incorporate strength training into their workout routine. Strength training can increase muscle mass and boost metabolism, leading to more calories burned at rest.

Women should avoid skimping on calories

As mentioned above, men have a higher resting metabolic rate than women. This is because of their higher muscle mass and lower body fat percentage. However, metabolism can also be affected by diet and physical activity.

Women who go on restrictive diets can experience a slower metabolism, making it harder to lose weight. It's important for women to eat enough calories to fuel their bodies and exercise regularly to boost their metabolism.

Slow and steady

Although it’s true that women tend to lose at a slower pace, with a healthy diet and regular exercise, women reach their weight loss goals. 

It's important to remember that weight loss is one part of a greater whole. Health should always come first. Think of weight loss as a beneficial consequence of a healthy lifestyle. Women should focus on building a sustainable routine that includes a balanced diet and regular physical activity.

Tips for women aiming to lose weight

Despite some challenges, women can still do plenty to lose weight effectively. Here are some tips:

Focus on strength training

Even though cardio is important for weight loss, strength training is crucial for women because it helps build muscle, which can boost metabolism and burn more calories at rest.

Pay attention to portion sizes

Women tend to underestimate the amount of food they're eating, so it's important to measure portions and track calories to ensure you're staying within your daily limits.

Don't skip meals

Though it may be tempting to skip meals to cut calories, doing so can actually slow down metabolism and lead to overeating later in the day.

Get enough sleep

Lack of sleep can disrupt hormones and increase cravings for high-calorie foods, so it's important to prioritize getting enough rest each night.

Find a support system

Whether it's a workout buddy, a coach, or a friend who's also trying to lose weight, having a support system can help you stay motivated and accountable.

There’s no easy way to lose weight for either men or women, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. The Voss Family Clinic team understands that each person's body is unique, and it's important to listen to find what works best for you. 

Our team can help you make sustainable changes, check for potential problems that can hinder weight loss, like hormone issues, and provide guidance and support to reach your weight loss and health goals. 

Based on your weight loss goals, a plan will be tailored to your needs and could include a combination of Wegovy® or Ozempic® injections (semaglutide).

Weight loss injections can be a valuable tool for individuals who are looking to achieve their weight loss goals and improve their overall health. With the right dosage and monitoring, weight loss injections can help suppress appetite, increase metabolism, and lead to significant weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. 

For weight management and all your family medicine needs, call our clinic at 281-617-8671 to schedule a visit with the Voss Family Clinic today, or request an appointment online.