The content of our breakfast does not affect our metabolism and weight in the same way, depending on our gender.
- Mathematical model reveals how breakfast composition affects health and energy levels across genders.
- Thus, men’s metabolism responds better to a meal rich in carbohydrates after fasting for several hours.
- Women’s metabolism needs a higher percentage of good fats.
Whether the goal is to lose weight or stay healthy, starting the day with a balanced breakfast is highly recommended. However, a study from the University of Waterloo based on a mathematical model reveals that the metabolisms of men and women each have specificities. And therefore, the list of foods to include in breakfast to lose weight or get in shape varies depending on gender.
Metabolism and breakfast: foods to favor according to gender
In wanting to better understand the impact of diet on metabolism, researchers noticed that research data on women’s bodies was less numerous than that on men. To fill this gap, the team decided to use a mathematical model to assess the function of human metabolism. “By building mathematical models based on the data we have, we can quickly test many hypotheses and modify experiments in ways that would not be practical for human subjects”explains Anita Layton, professor of applied mathematics specializing in modeling biology and medicine, in a press release.
Analyzes suggest differences in nutrient storage and oxidation patterns in liver and adipose tissue result in systemic metabolic disparities. In detail, men’s metabolism responds better on average to a breakfast rich in carbohydrates, while that of women is more efficient with a higher percentage of fat.
Faced with this observation, the authors recommend that men wishing to lose weight take cereals, oats or even wholemeal bread after their nightly fast. Women who want to stay in shape should, for their part, focus on foods containing good fats such as omelettes and avocados.
Women burn more fat during a fast
“Since women have more body fat on average than men, you would think they would burn less fat for energy, but that is not the case”remarks Anita Layton before adding: “The model results suggest that women store more fat immediately after a meal, but also burn more fat during a fast.”
His colleague and lead author of the study published in Computers in Biology and MedicineStéphanie Abo, adds: “Lifestyle is an important factor in our overall health. We live busy lives, so it’s important to understand how seemingly inconsequential decisions – like what to have for breakfast – can affect our health and our energy levels Whether you’re trying to lose weight, maintain your weight, or simply maintain your energy, it’s important to understand how your diet impacts your metabolism.”
