Men Vs Women – Understanding the Difference Between Body Composition

Men and women are two distinct binaries. Both of them have contrasting personalities, habits, behavioral patterns, and social expectations. Along with the multiple differences between the two, body composition is also a very visible difference. These varying differences in the body composition of men and women need to be understood so that you can be clear as to how gender might affect your body structure and other aspects of the body.

Body fat
Women have more body fat compared to men. Men tend to have more lean mass while women have more fat mass. The normal body fat content registered for women is 25% and for men, it is 15%. Estrogen, the female sex hormone increases the fat storage capacity of the body. Women tend to hold fat in their thighs and triceps as compared to their stomach region. Men on the other hand store fat in their abs region.

Adam’s apple
Men have a bigger voice box which gives them a deeper voice. This voice box is surrounded with cartilage and it protrudes more giving them a more visible and distinct Adam’s apple. The reason why men have a deeper voice as compared to women is directly related to the level of testosterone, male sex hormone in their body.

Body hair
From the onset of puberty, men start growing more body hair than women in all parts of their bodies. The hormone, androgen is responsible for the hair growth and high levels of androgens are seen in the male body. Therefore, this hormone stimulates the growth of hair and that is how men have more facial hair too.

Metabolism
Men are more muscular and their metabolism burns calories faster. Their metabolism is designed for size and strength. They have more muscle and less fat in their body. In contrast, women are predisposed to store energy and fat for activities such as pregnancy and breastfeeding. That is why the metabolism for women works slowly and burns fewer calories as compared to men.

Bones and body structure
Women are shorter and males have stronger and bigger bones. Their bones are denser and stronger while women tend to lose their bones faster as they age. Men have bigger heads and longer arms and legs. Women have smaller necks and lighter heads. Even the elbows and shoulders differ as women tend to bend a little further. The female body has a longer and wider pelvis adapted for childbirth.

Footnote

Men and women have striking body features that are personal and unique to them. These differences make them stand apart and carry out tasks and activities that their body supports. It is important to understand that the body composition of the two is contrasting and we need to embrace ourselves for who we are.