It's harder for women to lose weight due to biological factors like lower muscle mass (meaning slower metabolism), hormonal shifts (pregnancy, menopause), and different fat storage patterns (hips/thighs), plus lifestyle aspects such as societal pressures and emotional eating, all contributing to a steeper challenge than for men.
Things you can do to lose weight
Randy Turner, the manager of the Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth Fitness Center, said that men tend to lose weight faster than women primarily due to a key physical difference. “In most cases, men have more lean muscle than women, so it's easier for them to lose weight more quickly,” he explained.
At age 30, you started losing a half-pound of muscle each year. If not properly rebuilt or maintained, this natural muscle loss can effectively slow your metabolism for years to come. In your 40s and 50s, women go through menopause, which causes a litany of hormonal changes and an increased risk for weight gain.
People naturally lose muscle after 40, especially women after menopause. Because muscle burns more calories than fat, this can slow down your metabolism and make it harder to shake those stubborn pounds.
She lost 16 pounds in 3 weeks to fit into her vintage Met Gala gown. How did Kardashian lose weight? She says she cut carbs and ate “just the cleanest veggies and protein.” She also ran on a treadmill and wore a sauna suit twice a day. Kardashian's 3-week weight loss sparked concern over the impact on mental health.
Research shows that most midlife women (between the ages of 40 and 65) gain weight. In the study of women across the nation (SWAN), women added an average of 1.5 pounds per year during midlife. Similarly, in the Nurses' Health Study, midlife women gained an average of 7 pounds over 8 years of follow-up.
Understanding the 3-3-3 Rule
Specifically, the rule suggests: Three balanced meals per day. Three hours between each meal. Three hours of movement per week.
Your slower metabolism will slow your weight loss, even if you eat the same number of calories that helped you lose weight. When the calories you burn equal the calories you eat, you reach a plateau. To lose more weight, you need to either increase your physical activity or decrease the calories you eat.
Many women notice an increase in belly fat as they get older even if they don't gain weight. This is likely due to a lower level of estrogen because estrogen seems to have an effect on where fat is located in the body. Genes can contribute to an individual's chances of being overweight or obese too.
In fact, the bigger your body, the more calories you burn. Basal (or resting) metabolism refers to the total number of calories all the cells in the body need to stay alive and functioning. "Your resting metabolic rate is typically described as the total number of calories your body needs while at rest.
Summary. Losing 10 pounds may take 5–10 weeks or more. This equates to a calorie deficit of around 500 calories per day. While diet is the most important factor in losing weight, people can make other lifestyle adjustments to help them reach their goals.
The abdomen is particularly susceptible to weight gain in large part because it has more fat cells than other regions of the body. Moreover, these abdominal fat cells do not break down as easily as the average fat cells. Hence, you may notice that you still have belly fat even after trimming down in other areas.
Women tend to lose weight in their legs first, but you might notice weight loss in other areas at the start of your weight loss journey. Factors affecting where you lose weight first include sex, age, genetics, body mass index (BMI), and diet choices.
10 ways to lose weight even if you are lazy or unmotivated
Fastest ways to lose weight usually combine:
You Might Be Eating Too Little
This phenomenon is called “starvation mode,” and while your body isn't actually starving, it will naturally hold onto whatever calories it receives in an effort to help you maintain your energy balance.
Ozempic is typically recommended for individuals who have a BMI of 30 or higher, which falls into the obese category, or for those with a BMI of 27 or higher who have additional health concerns such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
One of the best ways to lose body fat is through steady aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking. Work up to at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise most days of the week. Some people may need more exercise than this to lose weight and keep it off. Also aim to do strength training exercises at least twice a week.
According to fitness coach Raj Ganpath, losing 10 kg in 2-3 months is possible but highly unsustainable. He explains that to achieve this, you need a daily calorie deficit of about 1,300, which is extremely difficult to maintain.
When comparing fasting in the night vs morning, evidence gravitates toward skipping dinner rather than breakfast. While some research studies agree that you can lose weight when skipping breakfast, there can be health risks such as elevated cholesterol levels and increased risk of heart disease [9][10].
Her diet included meals like vegetable poha, fruit, roti, and grilled chicken. Alia trained with Yasmin Karachiwala, blending Pilates, cardio, and strength exercises. Her 7-day routine included running, push-ups, yoga, squats, and crunches to tone and lose weight.
The best time to weigh yourself is first thing in the morning after you've gone to the restroom but before you eat or drink anything. The reason for this is that your body has had enough time to digest all the food and drinks you've consumed from the day before all while you were getting your beauty sleep.
If you gain 2 to 3 pounds a day, or 5 pounds a week, you should see your provider. It's also important to see them if you gain 5% or more of your body weight in a month. This type of unexpected weight gain may be a sign of an underlying health condition.