Why It's Harder for Women to Lose Weight
From an evolutionary standpoint female bodies are brilliantly designed. We have evolved to survive, reproduce, and are incredibly adaptive.
However, some of these things which make us so efficient biologically can make it harder to lose weight – a dilemma our ancient ancestors were not faced with.
Read on to learn how it all comes down to metabolism, and why giving yourself a metabolic boost is the unlock to healthy weight loss.
BODY MASS
Female bodies have less muscle mass and more fat mass than males. Muscle mass burns calories even when you’re resting, so the more muscle mass equals higher metabolic rate.
HORMONE FLUCTUATIONS
The female life cycle is driven by hormone changes over the course of a lifetime, and also on a monthly basis. Since hormones determine our metabolic rate our ability to burn energy goes hand in hand with these ebbs and flows.
Menstrual Cycle – over the course of the month hormones rise and fall making available eggs to be fertilized and creating an environment in which a baby could grow. The fluctuations impact energy levels and appetite – 2 key factors that contribute to weight loss – making it a challenge during phases when you are feeling fatigued or craving extra calories. The side effects of menstrual cycle, aka PMS can also sabotage diet and exercise efforts.
Postpartum – pregnancy weight gain is completely normal and healthy, but after pregnancy hormones which have been at an all time high bottom out. This can lead to post-partum depression and lowered metabolic rate. It can take several months for hormones to get back in balance, especially estrogen and progesterone.
Peri/menopause – the average age that women enter perimenopause is age 39, with weight gain of 1.5 lbs a year through their 50s. During peri/menopause estrogen levels decline which results in fat accumulation around the belly. Muscle mass also decreases, lowering metabolic rate. Research suggests that the way fat and sugar are metabolized after menopause changes. In study of fasting and after eating, blood sugar, blood fat, and inflammation markers were elevated in post menopausal women compared to those who had not yet gone through menopause. Other factors during menopause such as poor sleep from hot flashes and mental health decline and being less physically active can also make weight loss a struggle.
Supplement Support: Menopause Support – This supplement helps to regulate your estrogen levels which decline upon entering peri/menopause, leading to uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. Formulated with five clinically proven and antioxidant-rich botanicals that work to help boost collagen production, improve vaginal dryness, increase bone density, sex drive, and enhance overall mood.
HORMONE IMBALANCES
Female biochemistry is a delicate balancing act that can be easily disrupted, especially by modern lifestyle factors. Here we explore 3 of the most common imbalances that impact weight.
Estrogen Dominance – elevated estrogen levels are increasingly common due to daily exposure to EDCs (endocrine disrupting chemicals). These are toxins found in pesticides, plastics, and almost all consumer products that negatively impact hormone function. The majority of EDCs exert estrogenic effects, which results in an excess of estrogen in the body and can disrupt the gut microbiome. Estrogen dominance causes weight gain around the midsection of the body - thighs, butt, hips and belly. This becomes a vicious cycle – as fat cells from the weight gain then generate more estrogen.
Supplement Support: DIM Detox – supports balanced hormone health by helping the body safely metabolize and detoxify excess estrogen, resulting in less bloating, brighter skin, and the prevention of hyperpigmentation. Formulated with clinically proven phytonutrients from cruciferous vegetables that can help to build up the body's natural defense systems and improve your overall gut health.
High Cortisol – when the stress hormone kicks in it sets off a chain reaction of factors that contribute to weight gain. Impacts include increased appetite because of increase in blood sugar, weight gain around the waist and face, and decreased muscle mass. Women consistently report higher stress levels than men, which is thought to be due to differences in stress response, with women’s bodies producing higher levels of cortisol. Interestingly, studies on animals have shown that after being faced with unavoidable danger metabolism lowers, and the drop is much greater in females vs males.
Supplement Support: Cortisol Calming – builds resistance and resilience to “fight or flight” experiences of stress. It counteracts spikes in cortisol with a blend of adaptogens, amino acids, and a powerful nootropic that work in combination to calm the body and skin.
PCOS – almost 10% of women have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). The condition results in an imbalance of androgen hormones – higher testosterone and DHEA which signals the body to gain weight as a male would. Other symptoms include body hair growth, acne, irregular periods, and infertility. The elevated levels of androgens are due to insulin resistance. With PCOS, the body has a harder time using insulin to convert the sugars and starches from food into glucose (usable energy). The result is a build up of insulin in the bloodstream – which triggers androgen hormone production.
Hormones play a central role in weight management for women, as fluctuations and imbalances greatly impact metabolic activity and ability to burn energy. The easiest way to overcome these hormonal obstacles is to work with your hormones, not against them. Our breakthrough supplement, Metabolism Ignite, acts as a metabolic switch, increasing fat burn and regulating key appetite hormones.
Supplement Support: Metabolism Ignite – clinically proven in 7 trials to optimize your body’s natural ability to shed excess weight by switching on metabolic energy burn and regulating the 3 key hormones that affect hunger, satiety, and blood sugar. Powered by a blend of plant polyphenols, it’s 100% safe for your body and hormones and has been proven to enhance metabolism and improve cardiovascular health.