Why We Lose Weight Differently Than Men
Why We Lose Weight Differently Than Men
In the battle between the sexes, there’s a clear winner when it comes to being able to lose weight. Men, almost overwhelmingly, have an easier time shedding weight, while the fairer sex tends to hold tight to each and every pound. But, why? And how can women improve their ability to stay at a healthy weight?
The Differences Between Us
Men’s and women’s bodies are inherently different. Men have more muscle, making them genetically inclined to burn fat faster than their female counterparts. This can result in vastly different outcomes when trying to lose weight. While some women slim up when intermittent fasting, it tends to be more difficult for most of us. This is because our bodies are predisposed to store fat in anticipation of childbirth. The International Sports Science Association explains that fasting may work for women, but the agency also suggests speaking with your healthcare provider before skipping out on calories.
What Works
There are many ways to lose weight as a woman, but we must first jump through the hurdles that keep us stagnant at the scale. Emotions are one of these. Emily Abbate, a contributor to the Under Armour My Fitness Pal blog, explains that there are many emotional factors to deal with when it comes to losing weight. The expectation that achieving one’s ideal weight will lead to happiness is perhaps most prevalent, and many women go into the process to try and “fix” their marriage or self-esteem.
The truth is that, while losing weight can make you feel better about yourself, you must learn to be happy with who you are as a person. Otherwise, you may fall into a habit of eating your emotions, which may do more harm than good to your body. What you eat is crucial to what you weigh, so it’s almost always best to fill up on whole foods — including fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins — than it is to indulge in a gallon of chocolate chip, cookie dough ice cream.
Exercise is also crucial, especially given that muscle mass equates to burning more calories while at rest. If you’re not used to working out, invest in workout gear, such as a wire-free sports bra, well-fitted leggings, and comfortable sneakers. You’ll also want to start slowly and avoid the temptation to jump hot and heavy into an unsustainable fitness routine. In other words, build up your endurance over time.
Women may also find it easier to lose weight when engaging in exercise and fitness challenges with other women. This adds a social aspect to the process, which triggers the reward center in our brains much more than our sons, husbands, and brothers would experience. The release of oxytocin (a hormone most closely associated with feelings of love) makes our brains more likely to want to seek out this rewarding behavior. Coupled with the oxytocin trigger during exercise, going to an exercise class or walking with your neighbor is a great way to boost your body’s desire and ability to lose weight.
While your weight is not the sole factor that determines your health, it is significant. Having a body mass index of greater than 25 can put you at risk of heart disease, diabetes, and many other issues. It can even have a negative effect on fertility. As a woman, you will lose weight differently than the men in your life. But ‘different’ doesn’t mean that their methods are better or worse than yours — only that you have to find what works for you and your body.
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