Mars vs Venus in Weight Loss

(c) Krisdog Fotosearch_k6969544

Obesity in men has doubled in the last 25 years. According to the American Medical Association, more than 70% of American men are considered overweight, while over 30% are considered obese. The highest rates of male obesity are in the 45-74 age group, where one-third of men are obese.

Yet, despite these numbers, most commercial weight-loss programs have up to 90% women attending.

Why is that?

Well, based on my experiences over the last 20 years, men’s attitudes towards weight and weight loss are different from women in several ways.

1. Men are less likely than women to admit to being concerned with their appearance. Overall, men describe women who diet as doing so for cosmetic reasons, whereas they think of themselves as dieting for “legitimate” reasons, such as health. Men are most motivated to lose weight following a health scare or the diagnosis of a weight-related health problem.
2. For the most part, dieting is seen as a “female thing.” Joining a weight loss program or seeking professional weight loss guidance are viewed by men as female activities, which men are less willing to do without receiving support from their spouse or partner. (This is because women are more comfortable with menu planning, meal preparation and grocery shopping than men.)
3. Physical activity has more appeal for men than women as a means of weight loss and control. (This, even though it is well established that physical activity on its own will not result in weight loss or maintenance). Men are more willing to start a personal training/gym regimen than diet, and if they are already going to a gym, they’re more likely to think, “I’ll just work out harder” rather than begin a diet. Dieting is seen as a feminine activity. Working out, masculine. (However, if they do begin a diet, men are more likely than women to embrace a physical fitness component to complement their weight loss efforts.)
4. Men have lower dissatisfaction with their bodies and weight than women. Whereas women will beat themselves up over a few extra pounds, men have more difficulty perceiving themselves as overweight or obese. They are quick to claim muscularity (even though their muscles are under layers of fat), and a large body size with masculinity.
5. Men often underestimate the degree of their extra weight or obesity. They are less likely than women to accept what their healthy, sustainable weight should be. (Women, on the other hand, very often want to be lower than an ideal healthy and sustainable weight.)
6. Men don’t require the same level of psychological and social support as women. They don’t call as much (in between appointments) and they eat less out of stress and emotion.

Obesity in men has been linked to an increased risk for pulmonary disease, cancer, liver disease, gout, osteoarthritis, gallbladder disease, and stroke, to name a few . . . as well as to infertility, lower libido and sexual dysfunction.

Men, if you’re overweight or obese, put aside any reticence you may have to seek the assistance of a guided, personalized and structured program to help you. “Help” isn’t a “female thing.” It’s a “live life to the fullest” thing.