According to the IDEA Health and Fitness Association, at any given time, between 33 and 40% of women are trying to lose weight.
They also report that while many men are also trying to trim down, that percentage is only between 20 and 24%.
Even though there are consistently more women trying to get rid of their unwanted weight, it seems as though they have to work much harder to lose weight–and keep it off–than men do.
What obstacles are making weight loss for women so much more challenging than for men?
And how can women overcome them and achieve long-term weight loss?
Why is it Harder for Women to Lose Weight?
It is not just a myth: men actually are able to eliminate pounds and fat more quickly and easily than women are.
This is primarily because of the differences between the compositions of the male and female bodies.
The health experts at WebMD.com explain that because male bodies contain a much higher amount of the hormone testosterone than women do, men are simply larger and have more muscle.
This means men are “genetically designed to have a higher percentage of muscle and less fat,” says Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD. They are thus able to eat more calories while staying in shape since their bodies naturally use more of those calories as energy, while women’s bodies store more of those calories instead because they have less natural muscle mass.
Dieting experts also say men have an easier time reaching their weight loss goals than women because of the genders’ contrasting mindsets.
For starters, according to a Newsweek interview with Dr. Robert Vogel, men “tend to diet for health reasons or health scares,” while weight loss for women means shedding pounds to benefit their appearance.
Dr. Vogel says this stems from social stigmas which unofficially make it socially acceptable for men to be overweight and still feel good about themselves, while a woman “tends to compare herself to her peers” and feel ostracized and self-conscious if she is overweight.
This means that, according to Dr. Vogel, “men are less likely to be dissatisfied with their bodies and women are more likely to obsess about the number on the scale.”
This definitely plays a role in weight loss for women because experts such as Dr. Donald Hensrud, MD, say having a positive attitude is key to a successful diet. Dr. Hensrud explains that diets connote a miserable yet necessary experience, which really just sets you up for failure.
Since men tend to feel okay about their bodies and women are often more self-critical, men do not get as caught up in those feelings of negativity as women do and are thus more successful in their diets.
What Can Women Do to Make Weight Loss Easier?
Tip 1: Strength Train
To compensate for the female body’s lack of testosterone, you should incorporate strength training into your workout in order to build up your muscle mass.
This definitely does not mean that you will become bulky or masculine-looking; on the contrary, it will help you look lean and toned as your fat stores decrease and your metabolism increases.
Try doing strength training exercises twice a week, and you will definitely notice a positive difference.
Tip 2: Try a Weight Loss Pill
Though there are some stigmas surrounding weight loss pills, there are actually many products on the market–even some designed specifically for women–that will safely give your diet a major boost by speeding up your metabolism, suppressing your appetite, and burning away unwanted fat.
However, because there are still some products out there that don’t work, you need to do the right research before choosing a weight loss pill. The best way to do this is by reading honest and well-researched reviews, such as this Phytodren review, to really see which supplement will work best for your diet and for your body.
Tip 3: Think Positively
Just as Dr. Hensrud explained, a positive attitude is a crucial part of a successful diet, so rather than focus on how difficult it will be to cut out your favorite junk foods or to wake up early and go to the gym, think about how great you will look and how good you will feel after a stress-relieving workout.
Also, instead of always thinking about the guilty-pleasure foods you shouldn’t eat anymore, think about which foods and nutrients you need to add to your daily diet. Focus on getting the proper servings outlined by the USDA.
When you get the right amounts each day, you’ll be too full to binge on unhealthy snacks anyway!
Women can be Successful Dieters, Too!
Even though it’s true that men naturally have an easier time losing weight, you can even the playing field and achieve long-term weight loss by understanding the science and following these tips!