Men and Women on PP

[WakefieldWendy]

I find it interesting that women form by far the largest number of users of this board. It was that way years ago too.

Why is that, do you think? It has always seemed to me that men do better (comparatively) on this WOE than women. The protein, combined with Testasterone, makes muscle gain better, and that really helps (long term) to burn fat. And men seem to miss sugar a lot less.

So is it that a higher percentage of women are overweight and therefore look to PP?

Is it that, of people wanting to lose weight, a higher percentage of women seek a formalized WOE?

Is it that, of people seeking a formalized WOE, a higher percentage of women choose PP? If so, what are men doing?

Is it that a higher percentage of women like the accountability and community and information-sharing of the boards?

Or something else?

[Ammy]

I have an opinion...but NOTHING to base it on...

Men just don't have to TALK about things like losing weight as much as women, therefore they may be DOING PP, but they don't look for a discussion board...

Man...tell me what to do, then leave me alone and I'll do it.

Women...tell me what to do, I'll analize it, then we'll discuss it before, during, and after I am actually doing what you say I should.

Something like that...

Course what do *I* know...I date women!

[Missy]

Oh...you mean this is a WEIGHT LOSS, IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH with Protein Power PLAN BOARD????!!!! :eek:

I didn't get the right memo.... :o :eek: :suspicious:

[WakefieldWendy]

Ammy I agree with you. I think men just don't get into the posting thing as much. But I think its the other things too. I think more men, when they decide to lose weight just think "I'll just eat sensibly" and then cutting down on beer and cheesy fries works out to be enough for them (I hate that!).

[Ammy]

yeah, that does SUCK...

but some still have to workout...and hard...cause they've screwed up their metabolism so badly with their eating and weight-gain.

Curious to hear what MAX has to say...or Doc...hey, where IS Doc??

[lczeledoc]

It is hard, I had to give up my 12 pack a weekend habit--). I think it is true what a couple of you ladies have said!. For the most part, we men don't like to talk about what we think we got figured out! Also, without a doubt, because of our larger LBM, it is easier for us to lose the fat. I am 248 lb (190 lb lbm) I have lost 4 inches off my waist and 25 lbs in 3 months. I eat a lot, proably in excess of 3,000 cal/day. Most days I eat less than 40 EC, but sometimes I probable go as high as 60 EC or more (too much wine).

[Missy]

I know for me...I"ve GOT to "talk it out" or I'd put it on the back burner...but IF it had been 'easy' for me, perhaps I wouldn't have needed to lean on outside sources? Men don't generally struggle with the combined issues we woman do.

Plus, I imagine, we woman are more then likely the cook for the family situation...so we need to understand it, if we intend to do this correctly for the good of those we care for? Just a guess.

[laughingW]

I asked a trainer friend Jason about this and he thought it was because guys tend to do the exercise thing until it hits the wall, and only then do the food, while gals try the food thing until that's to the wall, and reluctantly do exercise.

Plus he says no guy wants to brag about how he really nailed that PR with the chicken breast and broccoli. It's okay to cook like a celebrity chef tho.

[gitfiddle]

Women...tell me what to do, I'll analize it, then we'll discuss it before, during, and after I am actually doing what you say I should.
I don't think you're far off, Amy. It's not just in the food arena, either. Child rearing: DH wringing his hands and tearing his hair, me networking with every woman that ever had a child and figuring that we're in the ballpark with behavior for that age/situation/pattern.

Okay, I just had another thought. Women traditionally don't hesitate to ask for directions. I think it's all connected. :suspicious:

[Ottawa]

I agree with all above, the increased metabolic rate, and the way we look at things and then just go for it. I'm sure that our failure rate would be close to the same for both sexes though. As well men can carry some extra weight without it falling out of the social norm. Women have whole industries based on "what is acceptable" and extra weight carries a larger social stigma for them.

When you ask about men not posting as much I think that this type of forum (program resulting in weight loss/maintaining and improved health) would have a harder time attracting men since most of us are sure we could do it on our own :redface: :lol: and would likely try many other things first before admitting we needed help.

I believe that its only after an initial success relating to the board that the half dozen or less regular male posters continue. Although I have been absent just over a month I would not have had my success without the board, the Challenges, and having to be accountable. It would be interesting to see the posting span of members based on sex (posting at least once a week until accounts stop posting) and I think the male spans would definitely be shorter due to success or early failure and off to find another "cure".

[gitfiddle]

Plus he says no guy wants to brag about how he really nailed that PR with the chicken breast and broccoli. It's okay to cook like a celebrity chef tho.
I just saw this part, and I love it! :lol:

I have often wondered how many male members we have lost simply because they are one guy in a bunch of women. In my (feeble) memory, the men I remember as being around the most were (are) more involved in the scientific aspect.

Hi, Randy! You are not the norm, I guess.

[Missy]

Me too Carol....which is such a shame too. I appreciate their point of view and approach. I'm glad Max has hung in there with us....:D

[Mitra]

Randy, I'm so pleased to see you :D. Actually, the pattern you described sounded a bit like me - I didn't join the board until I'd lost most of the weight I needed to. I was adamant I didn't need anybody to tell me what to eat :lol: but I just thought the people here looked like a nice group and I wanted to join in.

My husband wouldn't think of joining. He reads a couple of boards on other subjects, and has posted once or twice, but purely when he can answer a question - not just for the sake of joining in.

[maxlharris]

So, my other board is a lot closer to 50/50, maybe more heavy male. But they talk a LOT of science over there.

I have some ideas on why this board (and a lot of diet boards) feature more of the fairer sex.

1- Diets in general sell more to women than men. Probably as there's more societal stigma against an overweight woman than a man. Also, if you look at cover models as the "ideal" for women it's a very thin woman, for men, it's a very fit guy.

2- Conditioning against support. Joe Rogan does this great bit about a men and women having a friend stuck in a bad relationship. The women will all get together and try to help her. The guy's friends will call him and drop lines like, "You need support? Get a jock strap, I'm all out loser."

3- Me, I like to write. I'm happy when I write. If I weren't here, I'd be somewhere else writing. If I weren't losing weight, I'd be writing about something else. That's atypical. IIRC, Doctari writes too. Might be some thought on why some of us are here.

4- I also like the theory on the science/cooking stuff. If you're a guy, maybe you're more likely to be into the technical details of why it works. I know I am, but also into the details of motivation and leadership. I am a wonk, will always be a wonk, and enjoy all things wonky.

I'm sure there are probably other reasons, but I'm all about savoring the differences between men and women, rather than belaboring them. Oh what a difference!

[lczeledoc]

MAx,

What is the other board you are talking about?

[maxlharris]

Lczeledoc,

I pm'ed it to you.