Just when you learn from trial and error of diets and diet fads comes news that losing weight is harder for women than for men.

For all people, burning fat is difficult versus burning carbohydrates.  Proteins, the other macronutrient are not metabolized for weight loss only as a last resort.  The body does not want to use proteins for fuel unless there is no alternative; the brain doesn’t like it either.  The fat that is in your midsection (tummy) is the fat that is burned first.  Most women store fat in their arms and legs making this fat less accessible for weight loss.  Additionally, with estrogen deficiency that occurs during menopause fat does not metabolize as easy as a woman with adequate estrogens.  Am I being a Debbie Downer or what?!?

Another revelation is the type of diet you are considering to lose weight.  All of them are effective be it Atkins, Weight Watchers or NutriSystem.  The problem is staying on the type of diet that you are using to lose weight.  The people who successfully lose and keep weight off for more than 2 years do so by continuing to follow the diet that got them their weight loss.  It is difficult to stick with the popular Paleo diets or eat Nutrisystem food all of the time.  Trust me, I tried Nutrisystem and can tell you it works, but the food is horrible (no disrespect to Marie O.)

The best diet is one where you can gradually adapt to and make changes on a daily basis.  Did you know that if you cut back 100 Calories per day by doing small things like walking for 20 minutes before or after dinner, skipping dessert, giving up sugary drinks and cutting back alcohol will lead to a 30 pound weight loss in the course of a year!  The best weight loss programs think in terms of a marathon and not a sprint.  Make some easy changes.

Here’s another tip:  STOP eating while the television is on!

Although losing weight is harder for women, these are some things you can do to make it a little easier.  And if you want more tips for long-term weight loss success, read here!