Why The Body Stores Fat Differently in Men And Women
Radhika Hitkari | Dec 18, 2025, 11:44 IST
Having the accumulation of fat in the body is common for both men and women; however, how the fat is stored can be completely different for each other. In this article, we will look into how men and women have fat stored in their bodies in different ways and what factors are responsible for these differences. Also, we will look into whether the fat storage in both genders can be changed or not.
Both men and women have different types of body metabolism, even though both men's and women's bodies function in the same manner, but there are certain aspects, like how men and women store fat in their bodies, along with multiple other factors are different from each other. Knowing these differences helps women and men to lose their extra body fat by targeting the specific parts of the body where most of the fat is accumulated. Storing of fat in the body is crucial for its proper functioning, but sometimes having extra body fat leads to certain health conditions that need reduction treatment, and help people achieve their ideal body weight.
According to a study, women generally tend to store a higher percentage of fat in comparison to men due to many genetic and hormonal factors.
How Men and Women Store Fat Differently
Women generally store fat in their body on their hips, buttocks or thighs however during menopause fat usually shifts from these area to the abdomen.
Men usually have fat storage in their abdominal area which makes their belly look large and leads to weight gain.
Women usually tend to have a peer shaped body but during pregnancy women have essential fat stored in their thighs.
Men usually have apple shaped body as have fat stored in their upper part of the body especially in the abdominal region which gives a beer belly appearance.
Women usually have a lot of subcutaneous fat stored in their body which gives them soft curves. Also women tend to store more amount of fat than men.
Men usually have visceral type of fat stored in their bodies as it covers their internal organs which makes them prone to more fat related diseases and conditions like diabetics.
Women often need more percentage of fat than men as they need fat some fat reserves in their body so that its able to take care of their baby during pregnancy. The production of estrogen during puberty helps women to have the essential fat in their bodies.
The way how men and women store fat in their bodies cannot be changed directly as it depends on multiple factors like sex, age, hormones, body structure and age as well which play a vital role in determining where the body will store fat.
Making changes in lifestyle and diet can help in losing the amount of visceral fat is stored in the body which can lead to health complications.
Apart from that following simple and healthy routine of daily exercise and building muscle to make the body more toned can help in maintaining the fat levels in the body.
Even though how men and women store fat might be different but still losing extra fat is one of those challenges which is difficult for both the genders until or unless they follow the right and essential steps to lose body fat.
Discover expert advice and the latest updates in Skin Care, Hair Care, Wellness, Dermatology, and more at Stay Young guide to lasting beauty and holistic health!
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
According to a study, women generally tend to store a higher percentage of fat in comparison to men due to many genetic and hormonal factors.
How Men and Women Store Fat Differently
fat couple
Women generally store fat in their body on their hips, buttocks or thighs however during menopause fat usually shifts from these area to the abdomen.
Men usually have fat storage in their abdominal area which makes their belly look large and leads to weight gain.
Women usually tend to have a peer shaped body but during pregnancy women have essential fat stored in their thighs.
Men usually have apple shaped body as have fat stored in their upper part of the body especially in the abdominal region which gives a beer belly appearance.
Women usually have a lot of subcutaneous fat stored in their body which gives them soft curves. Also women tend to store more amount of fat than men.
Men usually have visceral type of fat stored in their bodies as it covers their internal organs which makes them prone to more fat related diseases and conditions like diabetics.
Women often need more percentage of fat than men as they need fat some fat reserves in their body so that its able to take care of their baby during pregnancy. The production of estrogen during puberty helps women to have the essential fat in their bodies.
Can Fat storage be changed?
The way how men and women store fat in their bodies cannot be changed directly as it depends on multiple factors like sex, age, hormones, body structure and age as well which play a vital role in determining where the body will store fat.
Making changes in lifestyle and diet can help in losing the amount of visceral fat is stored in the body which can lead to health complications.
Apart from that following simple and healthy routine of daily exercise and building muscle to make the body more toned can help in maintaining the fat levels in the body.
Even though how men and women store fat might be different but still losing extra fat is one of those challenges which is difficult for both the genders until or unless they follow the right and essential steps to lose body fat.
Discover expert advice and the latest updates in Skin Care, Hair Care, Wellness, Dermatology, and more at Stay Young guide to lasting beauty and holistic health!
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- Which gender is most overweight?
Globally and in many specific countries, women tend to have higher rates of overall obesity. - Which body part loses fat first, a woman?
For women, fat loss often starts in the upper body, face, neck, and arms. While the lower body, hips, thighs, and buttocks tends to be the most stubborn and loses fat last, due to hormonal influences and body composition, - Which gender has more belly fat?
Men's bodies are more apt to store excess fat in the upper body, especially in the abdominal region. - How does sleep affect body fat?
Sleep deprivation has long been linked to an increased risk of becoming overweight or obese.