Study Reveals Nutritional Metabolism Differences Between Men And Women

A new study from the University of Waterloo reveals that dietary choices can influence weight loss differently for men and women. Published in Computers in Biology and Medicine, the research titled “Modeling Sex-Specific Whole-Body Metabolic Responses to Feeding and Fasting” utilizes a mathematical model to analyze the metabolic responses of both sexes to food intake and fasting.

The findings indicate that men generally experience better metabolic responses when consuming carbohydrate-rich meals—such as oats and grains—following periods of fasting. In contrast, women are found to benefit more from meals that contain higher levels of fats, such as omelets and avocados.

“Lifestyle is a big factor in our overall health,” stated Stéphanie Abo, a Ph.D. candidate in Applied Mathematics and the study’s lead author. “Understanding how seemingly minor decisions, like what to eat for breakfast, can impact our health and energy levels is crucial, especially for those looking to lose or maintain weight.”

This research addresses a notable gap in the understanding of sex differences in fat metabolism. Anita Layton, a professor of Applied Mathematics and Canada 150 Research Chair in Mathematical Biology and Medicine, emphasized the lack of research on women’s metabolic responses compared to men’s.

“By constructing mathematical models based on the available data, we can rapidly test various hypotheses and adjust experiments in ways that would be unfeasible with human subjects,” Layton explained.

Interestingly, despite women typically having a higher body fat percentage than men, the study suggests that they burn fat more efficiently for energy. “The model’s results indicate that women may store more fat immediately after eating but also tend to burn more fat during fasting periods,” Layton added.

Looking ahead, the researchers plan to develop more intricate models that will not only examine biological sex but also consider factors such as individual weight, age, and stages of the menstrual cycle, further enhancing our understanding of metabolism and nutrition.