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There are differences in men and women where weight loss is concerned. Most of them can not be backed up with genetics. Please remember that this is speaking in general terms and there are always exceptions.
In general, men find it easier and seem to be more motivated to lose weight by changing their exercise habits rather than their eating habits. They tend to lose weight faster than women and so it seems it would be easier to stay motivated.

A majority of men who start a weight loss program do it as a result of a medical event. For example, if they experience a heart attack, stroke or their doctor specifically identifies it as a problem. A study performed by the National Weight Control Registry seems to suggest that men who have the medical event as their motivator tend to keep the weight off as well. This may be attributed to the amount of exercise that has become a habit.
There are some challenges that seem to be more gender specific. Men seem to overeat in a response to positive emotion. The football game is great and we eat munchies. If we win it's off to the bar for dinner and drinks. Eating is an acceptable social event and over eating seems to be acceptable in these situations.
Women are more motivated by social pressures. They see themselves as overweight much quicker than man. This doesn't necessarily mean they act on it. Women tend to eat in response to negative emotions. They may have a high calorie food that will give them a temporary sugar boost and then feel guilty for the next two hours. It appears to be more emotional in women. Apparently women have a less realistic view of how much weight to lose and how quickly that should happen.
Women have some physical changes that do no effect men. The childbearing years and menopause influence hormones and weight. Men do no have to deal with these particular changes.
Since knowledge is power we can use this information to create a cross gender weight loss program. Team up with a member of the opposite sex and take the best of both worlds. Let her help you with better food choices. Let him help with exercise programs. Use his standards to set weight loss goals. Be a lean, mean weight loss team.

Learn more about this author, Trenna Sue Hiler.
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