Why Is Weight Loss Skewed Against Women?

Losing weight is an uphill battle for any regular person. You need plenty of discipline to avoid certain foods or change your bad habits, right? Plus there are times when we falter even after signing up for a weight loss program. 

Things get even more unfortunate for most women because the difficulty level for them is much higher than it is for men. But why are the cards stacked against the female population in the first place? The reasons actually lie in various biological and lifestyle factors. 

If you’re one of the women struggling with their weight today, let’s check out the possible causes behind your troubles.

Why Is Weight Loss Harder for Women?

A Difference in Body Composition

It’s a bitter fact of human biology that women have a higher body fat percentage than men due to an evolutionary trait that makes them store more energy for childbearing purposes. 

To rub salt in the wound, women also have less muscle mass. This means you naturally start off with a slower metabolism since muscle burns calories faster than fat.  

Hormones Have a Rollercoaster Effect 

Women experience hormonal fluctuations throughout their lives. For example, you’ll have lower oestrogen levels when you enter menopause, which makes your abdominal area store more fat. It also slows down your metabolic rate. Meanwhile, taking birth control pills may increase your appetite. 

A Tendency for Emotional Eating 

Do you often find yourself eating when stressed or anxious? There’s actually a part of your brain that drives them to overeat when faced with negative emotions. You might be suffering from this if you have a hard time controlling your cravings. 

Modern Lifestyles Come With Challenges 

Women today usually juggle multiple responsibilities like their careers, children, and household errands. It’s easy to let go of yourself when you barely have time for self-care — you end up settling for unhealthier meals and snacks to sate your hunger and skip exercising. 

Tips to Achieve Easier Weight Loss

Despite the challenges you face, losing weight isn't an impossible task. Here’s a look at how you can achieve it: 

• Work on ways to increase your muscle mass because you naturally lack it. This can mean doing more strength training (like weightlifting or callisthenics) and eating a high-protein diet.

• Speaking of diet, you’ll also need an eating plan that meets your needs. Many women find that a balanced meal of lean proteins, whole grains, and vegetables works well for them. On the other hand, a low-carb diet helps with problems like PCOS, which increase your insulin resistance. 

• You should also take time to address the reasons behind your emotional eating. Try practising relaxation techniques like yoga or sign up for counselling if necessary. 

• Another way to prevent stress eating and cravings is to have a good night’s sleep. It regulates the hormones that cause hunger pangs and feelings of satiety. 

• Conditions like PCOS and endometriosis will get in the way of your efforts, so don’t hesitate to bring them up with your physician for treatment so you can slim down more effectively. 

Let The Weight Loss Experts Help

Why struggle alone when you can have people to support you? There are many weight loss programs for women that you can join. They work with coaches and dietitians who can provide specialised nutrition plans, address your eating behaviours, and monitor every milestone you reach. 

There’s nothing like having a community at your back to keep you going when you feel like you’re not making any progress. 

It's difficult to lose weight when you’re a woman, but you don’t have to lose hope too. Your weight goals aren’t far-fetched dreams if you take the right steps towards them. 

You may want to learn how to reduce belly fat by watching this video.