Are Women the Fatter Sex?

On average, women have a higher percentage of body fat than men. (Keep in mind that this is a general statement and understand that there are definitely exceptions.) Does this mean that women are the fatter sex? Scientific study seems to indicate that this could be the case.

One main reason for this inequity is simple biology. A normal man has an average of 15% body fat, while a normal woman has 25% body fat. Additionally, if you compare a woman and a man with equal age and exercise levels, the woman actually requires fewer calories per pound of body weight daily. As a result, all things being equal, a woman and man eating the same food in the same portions would result in the woman having more calories converted to fat.

Social reasons also contribute to women being the fatter sex. Generally, women cook more frequently than men, which gives them more opportunities to eat more than they need. And birth control pills can also cause a woman’s body to produce more fat and water; in fact, estrogen alone can cause increased fat deposits. A woman on the birth control pill would need to decrease her caloric intake by at least 10% just to maintain the same weight!