Why do men and women gain weight in different areas?
Any woman who's watched a man dig into an ice cream sundae without gaining an ounce while she gains weight just looking at one, can tell you that excess calories treat men and women differently.
But the difference isn't just in how much or how fast women gain weight compared to men; it's also where they gain it. Women seem to complain about the same trouble spots: hips and thighs. And odds are good that when the topic is a growing paunch or beer belly, it's a man doing the complaining.
Why?
So why is it that men and women gain weight in different areas? Like most difficult questions, there's no simple answer. However, most doctors agree that in addition to environment, genetics and other factors, hormonal differences between men and women contribute to the difference in body-fat distribution.
"In men, excess fat is usually concentrated in the abdominal and waist areas," says Jim Ellis, an exercise physiologist and director of Virtua Health's William G. Rohrer Center for HealthFitness. This leads to what's called the android body type, commonly known as the apple shape. Women most often carry excess fat in their hips, thighs and buttocks, resulting in the gynoid or pear-shaped body.
Why it matters
Where an individual stores excess body fat is more than just a matter of appearance. "People with an apple-shaped body have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease than those with a pear-shaped body," says Paula Konstantinides, RN, director of FitSmart, Virtua's new Center for Weight Management & Longevity.
But that doesn't mean pear-shaped people are off the hook. "The bottom line is that being overweight is a health problem no matter what your body type," cautions Ellis. Being overweight increases the chance for heart disease, stroke, hypertension, gall-bladder disease, osteoarthritis, breathing problems like sleep apnea, and even some forms of cancer.
Losing even a few pounds can help
And, there's no need to become a diet and fitness fanatic to enjoy the benefits of losing weight. "A weight loss of just 5% can improve health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels," says Konstantinides.
Virtua's new program can help
There's a problem with commercial diets. And, it's not you. Successful weight loss isn't about shakes, bars and supplements. It's about helping you change your outlook on life and health. And, giving you the support you need to reach your goals. Say hello to FitSmart, Virtua's Center for Weight Loss & Longevity. This medically integrated approach to weight management gives you the tools you need for successful, lifelong weight loss: nutrition, activity and lifestyle training. FitSmart isn't just about shedding inches off your waistline; it's about adding years to your lifeline. And it starts with a call to 1-888-Virtua-3 (1-888-847-8823).