Why is it generally harder for women than men to lose weight?

Lounmoun

I think there are significant differences but I wouldn't say it is actually harder for a woman to get to a healthy weight if they know what they are doing.

The simple truth is that men are larger and have more muscle than women due to the hormone testosterone. They are genetically designed to have a higher percentage of muscle and less fat -- which works in favor of keeping them fit and allowing them to eat more calories.

from http://www.webmd.com/diet/weight-loss-wars-men-vs-women

These two factors—more calories burned at rest and more calories burned during activity—make it easier for men to eat more without gaining weight and also to lose weight faster than women of a similar size.

from http://www.weightwatchers.com/util/art/index_art.aspx?tabnum=1&art_id=35431

These articles talk about factors other than muscle differences.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/weight-loss-it-really-is-harder-for-women-research-shows/2014/08/12/0a95c1aa-1d9b-11e4-ab7b-696c295ddfd1_story.html
http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/jan2007pg50.shtml

Nuke_64

I'm having a hard time understanding why this would be true except for the issues of the larger amounts of muscle mass men have and their height.

In the long term, how do hormones effect % body fat? From reading on this site, I understand a little about TOM and water retention but that is not fat. I haven't learned why menopause leads to increase in changes in weight beyond the possible physiological reasons of eating more. I've never seen a TDEE calculator that asked about menopause status.

Also, women are supposed to have a higher % fat. So in some ways, women have a shorter distance to travel.