A few days back I read this article about how when men decide to go on a diet they are able to lose weight more rapidly than their female counterparts. Needless to say this creates some consternation in those women whose partners are slimming down steadily while their progress is more likely to be slow or to stop and start.

The primary reason for this difference is the naturally higher ratio of lean muscular tissue in a man's body compared to a womans. The muscle cells contain a higher amount of structures called mitochondria, which act as a kind of power station; converting the energy contained in food (calories) into kinetic and thermal energy. A person with a high proportion of muscular bodyweight burns more calories even while at rest.

So what is a poor girl to do? One suggestion is to add resistance type training to your lifestyle since it builds lean muscle tissue. And no, you do not have to be afraid that you are going to develop a freaky bulging appearance. Barring a glandular disorder, most women cannot do that to themselves without indulging in dangerous drugs like steroids or human growth hormone.

Another idea is to do what most people who are successful do, accept life on its terms. If you are a woman, there is no way for you to reduce as rapidly as your husband, boyfriend or brother. What would happen if you told yourself, "it's just going to take me awhile and I am OK with that." Chances are you would become less susceptible to the latest rapid reduction fad and more likely to achieve long term success.

The author has published a number of ebooks on weight loss and other topics available at the Store Page on this site.