How to Compare Weight Loss Between Men & Women
A good way to compare weight loss results between men and women is to calculate the percentage of weight lost and compare those results 1. This will also account for the fact that men tend to weigh more than women as well as the fact that men tend to lose weight faster. Women naturally have a higher percent of body fat than men, making it harder for them to lose weight. These facts are taken into account in reality shows such as The Biggest Loser to make it fair between the contestants.
Weigh yourself, before you start your weight loss, in the morning with light clothes on. Take note of the number in pounds and be sure to use an accurate scale. Have a member of the opposite gender do the same.
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Weigh yourself, after you have met your weight loss goal, in the morning with the same clothes you wore to measure your weight initially. Take note of this number and have the member of the opposite gender from before do the same.
Subtract your final weight from your initial weight to get the number of pounds lost. Do this for the person from the opposite gender as well.
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Divide the number of pounds you have lost by your initial weight. This will give you the percent of weight you have lost. For example, if you initially weighed 200 pounds and you lost 20 pounds, you have lost 10 percent of your body weight. Do this for the person of the opposite gender to calculate their percent of weight lost 1.
Compare results of percentage of weight lost to see who lost more of their initial starting weight 1. This number reflects more accurately weight loss than just comparing the pounds lost.
Tips
Use an electronic scale for more accurate readings, and use the same scale for both measurements. Weigh in at the same time of day because body weight can fluctuate depending on the time of day and whether or not you have eaten.
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References
- Calculate Weight Loss Percentage
- What Losing 10 Percent Can Do
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Guidelines on Overweight and Obesity: Electronic Textbook. Weight Loss. Target Levels for Weight Loss. Bethesda, Md.: National Heart Lung and Blood Institute 2020
- Gudzune KA, Doshi RS, Mehta AK, et al. Efficacy of commercial weight-loss programs: an updated systematic review [published correction appears in Ann Intern Med. 2015 May 19;162(10):739-40]. Ann Intern Med. 2015;162(7):501–512. doi:10.7326/M14-2238
- Peos JJ, Norton LE, Helms ER, Galpin AJ, Fournier P. Intermittent Dieting: Theoretical Considerations for the Athlete. Sports (Basel). 2019;7(1):22. doi:10.3390/sports7010022
- Johansson K, Neovius M, Hemmingsson E. Effects of anti-obesity drugs, diet, and exercise on weight-loss maintenance after a very-low-calorie diet or low-calorie diet: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am J Clin Nutr. 2014;99(1):14–23. doi:10.3945/ajcn.113.070052
- Hall KD, Kahan S. Maintenance of Lost Weight and Long-Term Management of Obesity. Med Clin North Am. 2018;102(1):183–197. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2017.08.012
- Melby CL, Paris HL, Sayer RD, Bell C, Hill JO. Increasing Energy Flux to Maintain Diet-Induced Weight Loss. Nutrients. 2019;11(10):2533. doi:10.3390/nu11102533
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Healthy Weight. Losing Weight. What is healthy weight loss?. Updated February 4, 2020.
Tips
- Use an electronic scale for more accurate readings, and use the same scale for both measurements.
- Weigh in at the same time of day because body weight can fluctuate depending on the time of day and whether or not you have eaten.
Writer Bio
I recently graduated from Central Michigan University with my Bachelors of Science in Dietetics with a minor in Psychology. I was accepted before graduation into the Central Michigan University Dietetic Internship and in 8 months I will sit for the Registration exam and will be a certified Registered Dietitian.