Why women put on weight more easily than men
We all know the basic principle of weight loss – if you want to shed some kilos, you need to eat fewer kilojoules than you burn throughout the day. But even with this in mind, why does it seem that men have it so much easier when it comes to getting rid of unwanted fat?
According to Dr Michele Olson at Auburn University Montgomery, men are able to burn much energy than women simply because their muscles, heart, kidneys and other organs are larger and their body fat lower, giving them more active metabolic body mass.
“This is a case where the other person can eat more due to having a higher metabolic rate,” she tells PopSugar. “In fact, his body might actually need those extra calories to supply his larger, muscle-based organs.
“Lance Armstrong, for example, is a lean machine and does not weigh much for his height. But, his heart is huge! Not only does he get to eat a lot of calories due to training, he must eat enough to sustain what's not seen on the outside (his large heart) in conjunction with his low-fat, primarily muscled (though not huge) physique.”
A recent study by scientists at the University of Aberdeen found that even in mice, males were able to eat more, exercise less and still become lean. Females, on the other hand, did not experience the same transformation.
“Currently there is no difference in how obesity is treated in men and women,” lead researcher Professor Lora Heisler said. “However, what we have discovered is that the part of the brain that has a significant influence on how we use the calories that we eat is wired differently in males and females.”
The odds are also stacked against women because of a number of bodily processes that men simply don’t go through, including menopause and pregnancy. Weight-wise, even puberty is harder on the fairer sex!
However, this doesn’t mean it’s impossible for women to achieve and maintain a healthy, lean body – even after 60. Here are a few quick tips to get you started.
- Drink more water – Staying hydrated helps the metabolism and aids in digestion. Often, we mistake thirst for hunger, so next time you think you need that biscuit, grab a glass of water.
- Don’t be afraid of weights – Muscle mass decreases with age, so it’s essential to do regular strength training. Plus, the more muscle you have, the more fat you’ll burn.
- Eat more protein – Consumption of lean protein should increase as you age to help combat muscle loss, plus it’s much more filling than unhealthy, empty-calorie snacks.
- Don’t expect miracles – Don’t give up if you don’t notice any changes in the first week or even month. Weight loss takes longer when you’re older, so stick to your guns and be patient.
Tell us in the comments below, what do you like to do to keep yourself lean and active?