Weight-Related Issues Affecting Men
As we head into a new year, we shift focus to health issues that affect men, specifically. Although women are more likely than men to attempt to lose weight, overweight and obesity impacts more men than women across all age groups. Since weight loss occurs differently for men and women, it is important to know how each gender experiences the weight loss process to better address concerns in areas where they may struggle.
Because men typically have more lean muscle, which burns more calories than fat, they lose weight faster and in a greater amount than women. Although the rate of weight loss tends to even out after 6 to 12 months, during that time the difference in weight loss and body fat could be significant. Further, since men are more likely to carry weight around their midsection, rather than in their hips and thighs as women do, the appearance of weight loss is more apparent.
Another distinguishing factor between genders in terms of weight loss is testosterone, which helps build muscle. Weight loss becomes more difficult for women after menopause because of the reduction of estrogen. Conversely, men continue to produce testosterone throughout their lives, though levels slowly drop as they get older. Low Testosterone (Low-T) levels can lead to a loss of muscle mass, increased body fat, low libido, and other symptoms. There is a strong link between men with obesity and Low-T levels, with some data suggesting that obesity is the most powerful indicator of Low-T. Fortunately, weight loss has an inverse and proportional relationship to testosterone levels, offering great motivation for men with overweight or obesity to begin a lifestyle change.
Men’s attitudes towards their weight and weight loss also differ from women. Men are less likely to consider themselves to be overweight and more likely to try to lose weight on their own versus participating in a program. It is not surprising, then, that men represent just over a quarter of participants in AbsolutelyThin Online Medical Weight Loss Programs, in part because they perceive the programs to be designed for women.
Knowing the concerns and challenges faced by men with obesity, Absolutely Thin Weight Loss can help direct them to resources that will best address these concerns. Likewise, helping men identify programs that will provide the results they seek, regardless of how the program is marketed, will help overcome possible stereotypes while offering physical and mental health benefits.
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