Why is losing weight harder for women than for men?

Losing weight is on average harder for women than for men. This is due to a combination of biological factors: women naturally have a higher body fat percentage, a lower basal metabolic rate and a hormonal system that reacts more sensitively to changes in diet and stress. These differences are not an excuse, but a medical reality that influences the weight-loss process. The questions below give a concrete answer per topic as to why weight loss in women operates differently than in men.

How does women's metabolism differ from men's?

At rest, women's metabolism burns fewer calories than that of men, even with a comparable weight and activity level. This difference in basal metabolism is related to body composition: on average, men have more muscle mass, and muscle tissue burns more energy than fat tissue. Women naturally have a higher body fat percentage, which makes the metabolism structurally slower.

In concrete terms, this means that with the same calorie intake, a woman will gain weight faster or lose it more slowly. Muscle mass plays a central role in this: the more muscle mass someone has, the higher their resting energy expenditure. Because women produce less testosterone, they also build muscle mass less quickly through strength training. This makes it harder to structurally boost their metabolism.

Furthermore, women store fat differently to men. Women tend to store fat around their hips, thighs and bottom, whilst men are more likely to accumulate belly fat. Belly fat is metabolically more active and reacts more quickly to a calorie deficit, which partly explains why men see results more quickly on the same diet.

Which hormones make weight loss harder for women?

Oestrogen, progesterone and insulin are the three hormones that have the most influence on weight regulation in women. Oestrogen dictates where the body stores fat and influences insulin sensitivity. Progesterone can cause fluid retention and increase feelings of hunger. Fluctuations in these hormones, such as during the menstrual cycle, make it harder to maintain a consistent eating pattern.

During the second half of the cycle, the luteal phase, progesterone levels rise. This can lead to increased cravings, fatigue and reduced motivation to exercise. Women who recognise this consume more calories on average during this period without it being a conscious choice. The body responds to hormonal signals that are stronger than willpower.

Leptin and ghrelin, the hormones that regulate satiety and hunger respectively, also respond differently to a calorie deficit in women. Research suggests that women experience a quicker rise in ghrelin levels when dieting, which increases feelings of hunger. This makes sticking to it in the long term biologically harder than for men.

Why do women find it harder to lose weight after the menopause?

After the menopause, oestrogen levels drop sharply, which has direct consequences for fat distribution and metabolism. The body shifts from fat storage around the hips to fat storage in the abdominal area, a pattern similar to that of men but associated with an increased risk of metabolic problems. At the same time, muscle mass decreases and the basal metabolic rate slows down further.

Women going through the menopause often find that they put on weight even though their eating habits haven’t changed. This isn’t just their imagination: the body needs less energy, but their eating habits are still geared towards their previous lifestyle. Furthermore, insulin sensitivity declines after the menopause, meaning that carbohydrates are processed less efficiently and are more likely to be stored as fat.

Sleep problems, which many women experience during the menopause, intensify this effect. Poor sleep increases cortisol levels and disrupts the balance between leptin and ghrelin, leading to greater hunger and less satiety during the day. The combination of hormonal changes, muscle loss and sleep deprivation makes losing weight after the menopause considerably more challenging than in earlier stages of life.

Does stress have a greater effect on weight gain in women?

Stress is more strongly linked to weight gain in women than in men, although this is not universally the case. Women are more likely to respond to stress by emotional eating, whilst men are more likely to lose their appetite. The stress hormone cortisol stimulates the storage of belly fat in everyone, but behavioural responses to stress differ and this effect is amplified in women.

Chronic stress structurally increases cortisol levels. Cortisol stimulates glucose production and promotes fat storage, particularly in the abdominal area. In women, who already have a hormonally more sensitive system, prolonged stress can further disrupt the hormonal balance and stall the weight-loss process.

In addition, stress simultaneously affects sleep, exercise, and eating behaviour. Women with a busy life, little sleep, and high work pressure find themselves in a situation where multiple factors negatively influence weight at the same time. This explains why lifestyle changes alone sometimes yield insufficient results, even for people who take them seriously.

When is medical guidance for weight loss useful for women?

Medical support for weight loss is advisable when someone is unable to achieve results despite changes to their diet and exercise regime, or when hormonal factors such as the menopause or a thyroid condition are involved. A doctor can assess whether there are any underlying causes and whether medication is appropriate. This is not a choice made for the sake of convenience, but a medically sound step to take in the event of persistent symptoms.

GLP-1 medication is an example of a treatment that can help with weight loss in people for whom other methods are not effective enough. This medication works by promoting a feeling of fullness and regulating blood sugar levels. Whether someone is eligible for this depends on their individual circumstances and is assessed by a doctor. Results vary from person to person, and medication is always part of a wider treatment programme.

How Wellumo helps with weight loss for women

Wellumo offers medical guidance on weight loss for people who have hit a plateau in their weight loss journey and want to know whether a course of treatment is suitable for their situation. The programme is conducted entirely online and discreetly, without the need to visit a GP.

• A medical questionnaire maps out the personal situation, including relevant factors such as hormones, lifestyle and previous attempts to lose weight
• A BIG-registered physician independently assesses the application and determines whether a treatment is medically justified
• Once approved, medication is discreetly delivered to your home via a certified pharmacy
• Prices are communicated transparently in advance, with no hidden costs
• Not everyone is eligible: the doctor decides on a person-by-person basis whether a treatment is appropriate

Do you want to know if medical supervision for weight loss is right for you? Start the online intake at Wellumo and have a doctor assess your situation. Want to know more about how the process works? View How Wellumo works of neem Contact us I have a question.