Weight Loss Battle of the Sexes

When it comes to weight loss, it often seems like men and women are from different planets. That’s the topic of my Today Show segment. Does gender really make a difference in your ability to lose weight and keep it off? Read on, as I answer some questions I’m often asked. The answers are both biological and behavioral – not a surprise when it comes to Mother Nature. Do you have others? Let me know what you’re thinking!

Watch the segment from TODAY
Is it easier for men to lose weight than women?
It often can be. Men have more testosterone, which does two things: (1)supports greater muscle mass (so resting metabolism is usually higher); and (2) promotes more muscle mass with exercise – both which burn greater numbers of calories.

Plus, women have a biological “yo-yo” – childbearing, where excursions of weight are normal, and it’s often a struggle to get exactly back to the same pre-pregnancy weight. Monthly changes in hormonal status (up to and including menopause) also can stimulate appetite.

Do men and women accumulate different kinds of fat?
The fat is the same, but it’s distributed differently. Men typically have “belly” fat – around the middle, and women tend to have lower body fat, around the hips, thighs, and buttocks.

Is one kind of fat harder to lose than another?
Belly fat, most common in men, actually is targeted first during exercise. So, if you’re an exerciser, the biggest changes first seen will be in abdominal fat. The lower body fat is often deposited during the child-bearing years – where it is meant to be used when the baby is born to nourish (via breastfeeding). There are female hormones that target this fat at that time.

Do men and women eat differently for comfort?
In general, women are greater consumers of fruits and vegetables than men. When it comes to comfort, women seek out sweet/fat foods – think ice cream, baked goods, candy and chocolate, while men tend to look for savory and salty/fat foods – think pizza and cheeseburgers.

What about keeping weight off?
Weight maintenance is the great equalizer! Both women and men struggle with long term weight maintenance. Both sexes are “yo-yo” dieters. It appears that the same strategies for long term weight changes are the same for both men and women. One thing for sure, no matter how it comes off, we all need social support as a key strategy to keep it off!!

What do you think about this?
April 13, 2008 at 03:10pm | Permalink | Comments (15)

Comments

Dear Today,

It's good to know that differences and similarities when it comes to dieting between the sexes. Thanks for the informative info.

Posted by Sandra Grant on April 14 at 01:12pm

Dear Today,

It's good to know that differences and similarities when it comes to dieting between the sexes. Thanks for the informative info.

Posted by Sandra Grant on April 14 at 01:12pm

Dear Today,

It's good to know that differences and similarities when it comes to dieting between the sexes. Thanks for the informative info.

Posted by Sandra Grant on April 14 at 01:13pm

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this review is a good overview on how people feel about the book here http://www.buzzillions.com/dz_414998_womens_abs_diet_women_reviews "This book is very informative, a real eye opener as to the correct way to eat and exercise. I have personally lost 6 1/2 pounds in just over a month and an inch off my waist."

Posted by Shammara on April 14 at 05:10pm

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Posted by maggi on April 15 at 04:19am

is there an exercise or eating plan for women with cone shape?

Posted by november on April 17 at 12:36pm

it is true & authentic

Posted by satyender sharma on April 18 at 04:38am

Dear today,

It's good to know that differences and similarities when it comes to dieting between the sexes. Thanks for the informative info.

Posted by jhansi on April 18 at 05:28am

it is today that i have come to understand were women increase in weight.thanks for the information.

Posted by benita on April 18 at 08:38am

Dear Today I,m having trouble getting started with an exercise program what do I do to get motivation

Posted by phyllis davis on April 20 at 09:54pm

Dear Today I,m having trouble getting started with an exercise program what do I do to get motivation

Posted by phyllis davis on April 20 at 09:54pm

Dear Today I,m having trouble getting started with an exercise program what do I do to get motivation

Posted by phyllis davis on April 20 at 09:54pm

I need to learn how to eat for losing tummy weight...HELP

Posted by ME on April 24 at 10:16am

Hello
Just letting you know i am 44 and have arthritis both knees and wrists and i am exercising by just walking 30:00 minutes each time there is no pain and pain is very bad so i am trying to lose my body weight and changing my portion of food by littlwe at the time it is very hard i like my junk and any one there help please.

Posted by Barry on April 26 at 06:09pm

Thanks a lot for your information. I think that the women after they eat, then they go to see T.V. Almost more than 50% don't do exercise.

Bye

Romelis

Posted by Romelis Vasquez on June 01 at 08:12pm

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This Blog is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or hands-on treatment. If you are concerned about your health, please consult your family’s health provider or go to the emergency room.

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Madelyn Fernstrom, PhD, CNS, is the founder and director of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's Weight Management Center..

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