Why Do Men and Women Hit the Gym Differently? New Study Explains

Exercise Can Bridge Gender Gap in Muscle Metabolism

New research presented at the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) reveals that while men and women’s muscles process glucose and fat differently, regular exercise can rapidly harmonize these metabolic functions.

The study, led by Dr. Simon Dreher from the University of Tübingen and Helmholtz Munich, underscores the power of exercise in preventing type 2 diabetes and muscle loss. While previous research has highlighted exercise’s benefits, this study delves deeper into how these benefits might vary between sexes.

By examining muscle tissue from overweight or obese individuals, researchers found distinct metabolic profiles between men and women. Men’s muscles tended to rely more on glucose for energy, while women utilized fatty acids. However, eight weeks of moderate-intensity exercise significantly reduced these differences.

“These findings suggest that while men and women may start from different metabolic baselines, the positive effects of exercise are universal,” said Professor Cora Weigert, co-author of the study. “Regular physical activity can help both sexes improve their body’s ability to use glucose and fat for energy, which is crucial for preventing type 2 diabetes.”

The study’s results provide valuable insights for tailoring exercise recommendations to individuals based on their sex and metabolic profile.

About the Study

The study involved a group of overweight or obese individuals who underwent eight weeks of supervised exercise. Researchers analyzed changes in muscle tissue through a combination of epigenomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics.