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May 31, 2024 
5 min read
Understanding the Differences in How Men and Women Store and Lose Fat
Men are from Mars, and women are from Venus. Or at least that’s how the saying goes. Apparently, weight loss is a lot easier on Mars.
If you’ve ever felt frustrated by how your weight loss efforts compare to those of the opposite sex, don’t worry—it might not be your fault. Your biology plays a big part in this, including where and how much fat is stored in your body. Let’s dive into why men and women store fat differently and what you can do about it.
The Role of Biology
Women naturally store more fat than men because of higher levels of the hormone estrogen, which prompts fat storage. Healthy body fat percentages also differ: women typically range between 20-25%, while men should have less than 15%.
Well, that’s not ~fair~
It might seem that way, but stored fat has its perks, like providing energy reserves and supporting healthy pregnancies.
Why Do Men Lose Weight More Easily?
You’ve probably heard stories of couples dieting together, where the woman eats only lemon and turmeric for 17 days while her partner just cuts out soda. The woman loses four or five pounds, while her husband sheds weight so quickly his jeans start falling off. This can often be chalked up to muscle mass. Men generally have more muscle, which means they burn more calories every day. But don’t fret—over the long term, men and women tend to lose a similar percentage of body weight when following the same diet and exercise routines.
Common Problem Areas
Fat distribution varies a lot between men and women. Men often accumulate fat in the upper body, especially around the belly, leading to the infamous “beer belly.” This kind of fat, called visceral fat, surrounds internal organs and is more responsive to diet changes than to exercise.
Women, on the other hand, usually store fat in the hips, thighs, and buttocks. This type of fat, known as subcutaneous fat, is resistant to diet but poses fewer health risks. In fact, having ample subcutaneous fat in these areas can indicate strong metabolic health.
Get Help with Your Weight Loss
Effective Strategies for Weight Loss
Even though men and women store and lose fat differently, the basics of weight loss—diet and exercise—apply to everyone. Aerobic exercises can boost your metabolic rate, but lifting weights is especially effective for reducing belly fat and increasing muscle mass, which helps burn more calories even when you’re resting. For women, building muscle can help lose that stubborn subcutaneous fat.
Protein is a key ingredient in a weight loss diet. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that women consume at least 0.5 grams of protein per pound of body weight daily. So, for a woman weighing 170 pounds, that’s about 85 grams of protein a day, which can help build muscle and boost fat metabolism.
When Diet and Exercise Aren’t Enough
Sometimes, no amount of diet and exercise can get you to your dream body. Women might still struggle with fat in their hips, thighs, and buttocks, while men might find it tough to lose upper body fat.
At Belle Medical, we’ve got a solution for those pesky problem areas. Our BelleSculpt and BelleTight treatments can effectively target and reduce fat in specific spots, helping you achieve the look you want. Whether you’re a man aiming for a lean, muscular physique or a woman wanting to slim down those diet-resistant areas, our treatments can help you reach your goals.
In addition to targeted fat removal, we offer Semaglutide. These weight loss injections help reduce appetite and caloric intake. This treatment has shown remarkable efficacy in promoting weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes. At Belle Medical, Semaglutide can be combined with other services for a comprehensive weight management plan. This approach ensures that each patient not only achieves significant weight loss results but also maintains them sustainably, supporting a healthier lifestyle overall. Belle Medical provides these injections with the expertise of medical professionals, ensuring safety and effectiveness throughout the treatment process.
Your appearance is your choice, and we’re here to support you on your journey. Give us a call or book a consultation online today to chat about how we can help you get the body you’ve always dreamed of. Girl, you’ve got this!
Nicole