Do women really have it harder when it comes to Weight Loss?
Orange County Says:
Is there any truth to the common notion that men have it easier than women when it comes to weight loss and dieting? A brief survey of your family and friends would generally say "yes!", but why? Recent studies have investigated the role the menstrual cycle may have on energy balance and weight loss.
Let's start introducing the menstrual cycle as two phases.
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Premenstrual (luteal phase)
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Post-menstrual (follicular phase)
Studies have found that over 70% of women demonstrate an increase in food intake during the premenstrual period resulting in slight weight gain. In fact, energy intake can be increased by as much as 90-500kcal/day compared to the postmenstrual period. Additionally, the premenstrual phase is known to increase fat storage which may promote a desire for fat-rich foods making it difficult to maintain your weight.
An interest in the effects the menstrual cycle may have on a women’s resting metabolic rate (RMR) has existed since the 1920’s!
Unfortunately, there is no clear cut answer as the studies show that the menstrual cycle does have an effect on the RMR for some women and has no effect on others. At this time, we do not have any convenient means to predict whose RMR may be affected by their menstrual cycle.
For more information about Orange County's Medical Weight Management Please contact Valens Medical Weight Loss Center and come in for a Consultation with one of our physicians.