Overall body fat percentage is very individual and looks different on any given person but generally, males and females have differing body fat percentages based on their physiology.
Men and women are different. They look different, they act different—even the ways they gain and lose weight are different. Men and women store fat differently, in different amounts and different places on the body. You may have observed this phenomenon without understanding why it holds true. Why do women have more body fat than men, and why do men often find it easier to lose weight?
If dieting and exercise aren’t helping you lose as much weight as friends or loved ones of the opposite sex, it may not be your fault—it could be your biology. Keep reading to learn why men and women store fat differently and what you can do about it.
So, what factors influence body fat percentage in each gender?
Body Fat is an important factor in both men and women to live a healthy life. But as we check the standard amount of fat that should be there is body of a man and woman, we find that its 27% for women while just 15% for men. Women need more body fat percentage than men to live a healthy life. Some people believe that women have lesser muscle mass compared to men, so the body makes balance through fat. We did some research on internet and found that there are much more reasons that we totally ignore. You will be surprised to know why women need extra fat in body compared to men.
Why do Women have Higher Body Fat Percentage
- Out of the 27% standard body fat for women, 12% is essential fat which much be there to survive. That essential fat percentage in men is just 3%.
- Higher Fat percentage does not always mean that a man will have less fat than a woman. Fat mass of an overweight man will be always above a slim woman.
- Woman’s body is considered better if it have good curves and fat solves this purpose. Fat also provides softness to the skin.
- Female hormones can easily convert fat into food.
- At some point in life women always need to nourish a fetus and then feed a baby. The fat reserve in female body is heavily used at such time.
- Breast region in females is heavier than man as fat is an important part of breasts.
- Women need fewer calories per pound of body weight due to lesser muscle mass percentage and higher body fat percentage.
- Lack of fat in the body of a women can cause hormonal imbalance and temporary absence of ovulation and therefore no periods at that time. Its a natural process to avoid pregnancy as the body is not ready to nourish the fetus.
- Obesity that comes due to pregnancy is sometimes harder to lose as women take more care of their kid and don’t get enough time to look after themselves.
- Birth control pills also increase the fat and water amount in the body of a woman. Therefore a women on birth control pills should decrease her caloric intake (diet) by 10% to avoid getting excess fat.
- Women are more prone to depression which can easily result in getting obese.
- Women go through menopause at a certain age in life. Sometimes it can cause depression, which is a leading cause of obesity.