Question: Do women use fat differently then men?

Answer: On average, women have more fat and less muscle than men secured for future reproduction. But women also use this fat more efficiently than their male counterparts. Researchers have found that women use more fat and less carbohydrates during cardiovascular exercise than men do. This means that women can burn more fat while keeping their lean tissue providing more sustained energy for long duration exercise. Men, however, tap into their fat stores much later than women only after burning most of the available sugars.

The reason for this difference may be due to the hormone oestrogen. While both men and women produce oestrogen, men have relatively small amounts. This hormone aids in the mobilization of fat from adipose tissue and stimulates the production of growth hormone (GH) which limits insulin production and the use of glucose during exercise. Women also get better blood flow to their fat cells, especially during exercise, delivering more oxygen which helps burn this fat cells for fuel.

By Elena Voropay