A new study has suggested that women find dieting more difficult than men because of their biological programming.

Results from the study by Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, New York have shown that how the brain copes with cravings for food is key to a successful diet and women have less self-control with their appetite.

By identifying the difference in how men and women deny food cravings, researchers found that women have trouble losing weight and are therefore more likely to be obese.

24.8% of women in Britain are classed as obese (compared to 23.1% of men) and this latest study believes this is down to men being able to inhibit cravings for food better than women. The reasons are apparently genetic as the woman is pre-programmed to absorb more calories in readiness for becoming pregnant and lactating.

Clinical studies found men could lose, on average, 10% of their body weight over three months while women only managed 5%.

The study involved non-obese participants going through a fasting period of 17 hours followed by exposure to the sight and smell of favourite foods (bacon, hamburgers, pizza, cake, fried chicken etc.).

The men and women involved were asked to suppress cravings using self control while their brain activity was monitored. During exposure, emotional brain activity highlighted stimulation to the food but only the men’s brain activity showed a significant reduction when asked to suppress the craving.

While the genetic differences between men and women may be part of the cause of obesity, the problem exists with both sexes. There are a number of natural ways to beat obesity.

Learn more about obesity and weight management here

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