Men Lose Weight Faster Than Women, Says Medical Expert

It’s a common observation: men often appear to shed pounds faster than women, even when both follow similar diets and exercise routines. According to Dr (Col) Vijay Dutta, Director of Internal Medicine and Respiratory Services at ISIC Multispeciality Hospital, this phenomenon is real—particularly at the start of a weight-loss journey.

Biology Gives Men a Head Start

The primary reason lies in biological differences. Men naturally have more muscle mass and a higher resting metabolic rate compared to women. Dr Dutta explains, “Muscle burns more energy than fat, so men’s bodies tend to burn more calories throughout the day, even without additional effort.”

In contrast, women generally carry a higher percentage of body fat, which is influenced by hormonal factors like estrogen. This hormone not only affects fat storage—particularly around the hips and thighs—but also plays a role in energy balance.

Hormones Complicate Weight Loss for Women

For women, hormonal fluctuations can make weight management more complex. Menstrual cycles often bring temporary bloating, water retention, and changes in appetite. Over time, life stages such as menopause can slow metabolism and increase fat accumulation. Conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) further complicate matters by causing insulin resistance, which makes losing weight more challenging.

However, Dr Dutta emphasizes that hormones are not the sole factor. Lifestyle choices—such as diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management—play a far greater role in determining weight loss success.

Women Can Lose Weight Effectively Too

Despite the biological differences, women can achieve weight loss just as effectively as men. Dr Dutta highlights that the process may be slower for women, but the key lies in consistency. “Sustainable weight loss is less about speed and more about maintaining a calorie deficit, eating balanced meals, staying active, sleeping well, and managing stress,” he says.

In fact, slower weight loss is often healthier and easier to maintain over the long term. “The biggest mistake is expecting identical results from different bodies,” Dr Dutta adds. Weight loss is influenced by a combination of factors, including age, genetics, hormones, lifestyle, and medical conditions.

Progress Over Speed

While men may lose weight faster initially, this doesn’t mean women are at a disadvantage. The journey may look different, but with the right approach, healthy and sustainable weight loss is achievable for everyone. As Dr Dutta puts it, “Every person’s weight-loss journey is unique, and consistency is the key to success.”

Source: Indian Express