Why do men face greater difficulties in losing weight?

A recent study has revealed that men struggle to lose weight because they believe diets are intended for women and associate them with deprivation, making them less inclined to participate in weight-loss programs.

Researchers from the UK’s Anglia Ruskin University conducted interviews with 24 men over the age of 30 to explore their experiences with weight-loss programs and the factors affecting their ability to adhere to them.

Citing the British Daily Mail, Sky News Arabia reported that the study’s findings showed men often view dieting as a “feminine” concept, describing it as a negative experience linked to dietary restrictions and the failure to maintain long-term results.

The researchers noted that many participants viewed diets as short-term programs that are difficult to sustain, with some feeling rebellious when asked to give up foods or lifestyles they enjoy.

The study, published in the journal PLOS ONE, suggested that avoiding the term “diet” in programs targeted at men, and replacing it with concepts focused on improving lifestyle and achieving quick results, could encourage their participation and persistence.

Researchers found that family support plays a crucial role in men’s success in losing weight, with participants reporting that their wives helped them choose healthy foods and limit the consumption of unhealthy options.

The researchers identified several other factors contributing to the difficulty men face in losing weight, including poor knowledge of nutrition and calories, work pressures, long working hours, and some men’s preconceived belief that their weight-loss attempts will end in failure.

The study found that for many men, the motivation for weight loss is linked to appearance and body image, as well as health concerns, such as the fear of developing heart disease.