Why Men Lose Weight More Than Women

The difference between the two genders when it comes to losing weight is pretty shocking, especially since women seem leaner and weigh less than men. In fact, despite how it might look, men generally lose more weight than women do.

Physical Activity

• Men generally are more active when they want to get into shape. In fact, a study in the American Journal of Physiology found that women burn an average of 16 percent fewer daily calories than men do.

Metabolism

• Men tend to have higher levels of lean body mass, or muscle. Because of that, their metabolism also tends to be higher. And men have levels that are 5 percent to 10 percent higher, on average, than women at the same height and weight.

More Oxygen

• Men also tend to have a higher level of oxygen than women. That helps men lose weight easier than women do.

Thyroid Problems

• Thyroid problems cause slow metabolism, and women have thyroid problems more often than men do. One in eight women from ages 35 to 65, and one in five age 65 or older, are estimated to have thyroid problems, according to a report at Suite101.com.

Less Fat

• Women need extra fat to have the potential for pregnancy. Women have larger fat cells than men, with 20 percent more fat and more enzymes.