Weight Loss for Men vs Women
This month, Weight Loss. Men vs Women! A great use for Aubergine and more!
I hope you are all keeping well and healthy and have survived half-term with the kids. Lots of info for you again this month so let’s dive straight in!
“It’s not fair,” my friend cried. “I’m the one constantly paying attention to what I eat or being on a diet, and he’s the one who loses weight!”. Both my friend and her husband had put on some weight over the last few months.
Two weeks later, my friend’s weight hadn’t budged, while her husband had lost six pounds without even trying. If you are a woman and have ever tried to lose weight, you may have observed this phenomenon yourself (I certainly have!) – and you are not imagining it.
Find out in this month’s article the top 5 reasons why it is harder for women than men to lose weight. The recipe of the month is an aubergine hash. Not only it is delicious but also makes a great weekend brunch option.
With a decrease in natural daylight, many of you may suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.). Find out what you can do from a nutrition point of view to lift the winter blues in my article published in the Caterham &
District Independent in October.
5 REASONS WHY IT IS HARDER FOR WOMEN TO LOSE WEIGHT THAN MEN
If you have had the suspicion that men are having an easier time than women when they want to lose weight, you are absolutely right. Here’s why:
#1 Body Composition and Metabolism
Women’s body composition is different to men as women naturally carrying more fat than men. Muscles use energy (i.e. burn calories) while fat doesn’t. It has been shown that just for this reason metabolism in men can be as much as 3 to 10% faster than women, therefore leading to more rapid weight loss.
#2 Hormones
If you carry a few extra pounds, you are better off carrying the weight around your thighs and bums (‘pear’ shape) rather than around your belly (‘apple’ shape). This is because abdominal fat is more metabolically active and can produce hormones that can affect weight, weight distribution and hunger. Men are at a disadvantage here as they tend to carry more weight around their belly, placing them at an increase risk for cardiovascular diseases. The bad news though is that the female figure tends to change from ‘pear’ to ‘apple’ in menopause due to a change in hormones but the good news is that visceral belly fat is easier to lose than padding on the bum and hips. Various other hormonal fluctuations also come into play and therefore achieving hormonal balance in women is absolutely key for successful and long-term weight loss.
#3 External Pressure and Yo-Yo Dieting
There is a huge pressure from society on women to look a certain way, be a certain shape or a set number on the scales. This actually negatively affects girls from an early age and can lead to body dysmorphia (a dislike of their figure) as they perceive themselves as ‘too fat’ or not ‘looking good’ enough when there is absolutely nothing wrong with them at all. That’s when they start embarking on their first diet which sets them on the path to yo-yo dieting. And that is not good news… see point 4.
#4 Low-calorie Crash Diets and Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)
Low-calorie crash diets can lead to rapid weight loss at first but this soon slows down or grind to a halt even when eating less and less. The body is in a state of ‘famine’ and reacts by adjusting how much energy you use on a daily basis
(energy expenditure = how many calories you burn). This means that the minimum number of calories needed at rest (i.e. the basal metabolic rate) decreases further and further and leaves you unable to lose and make you put on weight instead while eat less and less. On top of this, the quality of nutrients rather than just calories should be taken into account when it comes to achieving hormonal balance.
#5 Wrong type of exercise
Many women tend to be worried about lifting weights as they fear getting too bulky (men aren’t usually concerned about this!) so they go for endurance and cardio exercises instead. Whilst this is great for stamina, heart health and mood, it often doesn’t do much for weight loss, especially if they are already stressed. Therefore, increasing muscle mass really is key here. If you want to lose weight and increase your muscle mass and BMR, resistance exercise and
lifting weights is crucial.
Book now for 2022
This year has literally flown by and I am now starting to take bookings for January onwards.
If you are ready to prioritise yourself and your health in 2022 so that you feel your best ever, glowing from the inside out and full of energy, Complimentary Health Call with me this month.
I have opened a few more slots in November to talk and help more of you. As a Registered Nutritional Therapist, my job is to work out the best diet to address your health concerns and goals. And as a Certified Health Coach, I provide motivation, support and accountability and work on your mindset to give you the tools to get rid of old unhelpful habits and change your relationship with food for good. Addressing issues both from a physiological as well as a psychological point of view is paramount and something I integrate into all my 1-2-1 consultations.
And finally, I am now taking bookings from January 2022 onwards 😱.
I hope you enjoy this month’s newsletter. Sit back, relax and take this opportunity to take a 5-minute break in your busy day. Christelle x
BOOK MY CALL NOW
Christelle Page
Registered Nutritional Therapist + Health Coach
Keep Calm Nutrition
