Why Men and Women Lose Weight Differently

One of the biggest frustrations many women experience is that not only do men lose weight faster, but they can also eat more. So, why is it that men and women lose weight differently? Let’s explore the science behind it.

The Science Behind the Differences

According to WebMD, the simple truth is that men have more muscle mass than women, thanks to the hormone testosterone. Men are typically larger than women, which contributes to the difference in weight loss. But what happens if a man and a woman are the same height and weight?

On average, American men weigh 26 pounds more and are 5 inches taller than women, which already gives them an advantage in terms of calorie burning. Even when men and women are the same weight and height, men tend to burn 20% more calories doing absolutely nothing, just due to their muscle mass.

Why Men Burn More Calories

Even a perfectly fit woman will generally have 6-11% more body fat than a man of the same fitness level. Men have more lean muscle, which burns more calories than body fat— even at rest. This means men naturally have a higher calorie burn rate than women, even when they’re not actively exercising.

Hope for Women: Long-Term Success

Not all hope is lost for women, though. According to dietitian David Grotto, RDN, while men may lose weight quicker at first, women tend to catch up over the long term. Additionally, women tend to burn more body fat than men during exercise, which can be a significant advantage when focusing on fat loss.

The Bottom Line

Losing weight is challenging for both men and women, but it is possible for everyone to succeed with the right approach. The key to successful weight loss is commitment, the right support system, and personalized strategies. At New Results Medical Weight Loss, we recommend partnering with a program that offers encouragement and the tools necessary to help you achieve your weight loss goals.