Gender differences in obesity's damage
More than 1.5 billion folks on Planet Earth are living with obesity, but that doesn't mean they're all experiencing the same health risks or need the same care to become healthier. A study being presented at the European Congress on Obesity reveals that obesity causes distinctly different heart, metabolic, and inflammatory health risks for males and females.
Researchers looked at data on obese men and women (average age in their 40s) and found that men's liver enzymes and triglyceride levels were significantly higher than women's, increasing their risk for liver disease and associated metabolic conditions. They also had a much larger waist circumference (averaging just over 47 inches -- 10 inches larger than recommended) and higher systolic blood pressure than women, indicating a greater risk for cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.
Women had higher LDL cholesterol (averaging 130 mg/dL -- less than 70 mg/dL is recommended) and significantly higher inflammatory markers, increasing their risks for chronic diseases and cognition problems.
What does this mean for you if you have obesity? You want your doctor to pay attention to your gender-specific risks. And guys, you want to make lifestyle changes to reduce your waist size, lower triglyceride levels, and limit or avoid alcohol and added sugars. Gals, you should focus on tamping down inflammation and LDL by ditching added sugars and red meats and losing weight. Both genders need to adopt a healthy plant-based diet, get 150-300 minutes of physical activity weekly, and adopt stress management techniques.
For more advice, check out the AI coaching program at 4YOUngevity.com.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.
(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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