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Do Men and Women Lose Weight Differently?
Ever started a weight loss journey with a mate or partner and can’t understand why he shed pounds whilst you stayed the same size? Us, too. Too often, women have been told we’re ‘not trying hard enough’ or seen as ‘lazy’ when the numbers on the scale don't move. However, complex biological factors can make managing our weight far more complicated than bumping up the carrot sticks and cardio. From PCOS to menopause, our in-house women’s health expert explains why - and how the latest GLP-1 medication might be the trusted tool that women have been waiting for...
Do Women and Men Lose Weight the Same Way?
Typically, research has indicated that cisgendered men lose weight more quickly than cisgendered women, for several reasons:
Muscle Mass: generally speaking, men possess more lean muscle mass than women. This predisposes men to a higher metabolic rate, which helps to burn calories at rest and during activities, whereas women and those with less lean muscle mass will naturally burn fewer calories and need to watch calories/eat less to avoid gaining weight. An evolutionary trait, women tend to have higher body fat to support the body during pregnancy.
Testosterone: men tend to have higher levels of testosterone which helps their bodies gain muscle and burn fat more effectively.
Whilst individual body composition also plays a part in weight loss, conditions and life stages common in women including PCOS and menopause can make it much harder to manage weight. Does that mean women are destined to ineffectually attempt to see results from fruit pots and FIIT? Not if the latest scientific breakthroughs are to be believed...
How Can GLP-1 Medication Help Women Manage Weight?
A new analysis of clinical trials of the latest groundbreaking GLP-1 medication, including Mounjaro (tirzepatide), revealed very interesting findings which contrast greatly with prior knowledge, and misbeliefs, about gendered differences in weight loss.
GLP-1 medications work to decrease cravings, reduce blood sugar and delay gastric emptying to help patients feel fuller for longer. When combined with lifestyle changes outlined in this new weight management programme, patients can expect to lose up to 22.5%* of their body weight in a year.
For instance, a recent study on Mounjaro recognised new gender disparities in weight loss. Overall, Mounjaro demonstrated statistically significant reductions in body weight compared with a placebo. However, there was a large discrepancy according to gender:
- Women lost between 11.5% to 27.6% of body weight
- Men lost 8.8% to 18.9% of their body weight
This suggests that the potential of these pioneering weight management medications could be huge for women, especially those who have failed to lose weight from lifestyle changes alone.
Let's Challenge Myths About Women's Weight Loss
For many, it's great to see these results potentially revolutionise what we have traditionally understood with regards to gender and weight loss. There are many reasons why women do not lose weight when following the same lifestyle changes as men.
For instance, hormonal imbalances caused by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can make it harder for women and people with periods to achieve, and stay at a healthy weight. Similarly, post-pregnancy and menopause are life stages where women often struggle with unwanted weight gain that is difficult to manage from exercise and calorie counting.
We know ourselves from our own experiences that lack of progress when following traditional guidance to lose weight can massively contribute to shame around weight loss. Not only can it add to lose self-esteem, but it can and does contribute towards women making unhealthy and extreme attempts to see results. The results of the study are a great reminder that it's time for a fresh attitude to gender and weight loss.
How Can Women Make Progress Towards Weight Loss Goals?
- Focus On Yourself: one size does not fit all in weight management. What works best for your friend, colleague, brother or partner might not work for you. Even though it's hard, try not to compare yourself to others and the progress they’re making. You are your own person - and your weight loss journey is nobody else's concern.
- Challenge Preconceptions: knowledge about weight loss is still evolving. New groundbreaking medications, such as Mounjaro, may offer different and more targeted results compared to traditional methods - and whilst taboos around them being a 'lazy' route do exist, doctors attest to their value as a tool for women's weight loss. Say it with us again: focus on yourself.
- Plan For The Long-term: quick fixes, fad diets, detox teas and bizarre workouts aren't a sustainable option for weight management, whatever your gender. Slow and steady really does produce results and if you want both to achieve, and maintain, long-term results, it's important to look beyond losing weight for an event (e.g. a wedding, party, festival) and consider this an opportunity to shift your mindset and your lifestyle.
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Take A Holistic Approach: if the research into Mounjaro and female weight loss has caught your attention, you might wish to explore GLP-1 medication as a support for your weight management journey. Remember: these medications aren't a silver bullet. Yes, they can help regulate appetite and minimise snacking, but they also require willpower. Regular exercise, a calorie-controlled diet and motivation go hand in hand with Mounjaro. It's up to you to connect the dots and work for it.
How Do I Know If Weight Management Medication Is Right For Me?
Weight management is dynamic and an ever-evolving science. What works best for you may depend on a variety of factors beyond just gender. As Mounjaro becomes increasingly used for obesity treatment, following its approval by the NHS in England, we anticipate that a number of data and insights will continue to emerge.
Whilst it might be exciting to imagine the possibilities, this medication isn’t suitable for everyone. It's important to head to licensed healthcare providers who have stringent regulations to determine which patients this is suitable for, including regular healthcare consultations to check for conditions which would exclude you from use.
The fully licensed programme via HANX includes an initial health consultation which is reviewed by a prescribing pharmacist, who evaluates your eligibility to start the programme, and if suitable, continue on an ongoing basis, with monthly check-ins. Want to know more about Mounjaro, or one of our other, options for weight management? Start your consultation today and find out if you’re eligible.
Want more?
- Is it harder to lose weight if you have PCOS? Our in-house expert shares all.
- Weight gain in menopause is common - and often difficult to manage. Learn more.
