ISLAMABAD: A new study indicates that a carbohydrate-rich breakfast is beneficial for men, while a fat-rich breakfast works better for women.

The research highlights that although women tend to store more fat, they also burn it more quickly for energy, based on computer modeling used in the study. Historically, metabolic differences between men and women have not been thoroughly explored due to a greater focus on men’s health in research.Are all ultra-processed foods equally bad for health?

One of the study’s authors suggests that these metabolic differences may be linked to the more complex life stages women experience, such as pregnancy. The study conducted by researchers at the University of Waterloo in Canada reveals that men’s metabolism may respond more effectively to a carbohydrate-heavy breakfast after fasting overnight, whereas women might benefit more from meals high in fat upon waking.

Choosing the appropriate foods for metabolism could also aid in weight loss and maintenance.
Metabolism refers to the intricate series of chemical processes in the body that convert nutrients into energy, support growth, and repair cellular damage.

This study is grounded in a mathematical model created by the researchers to simulate how various dietary choices affect the metabolisms of men and women. The goal was to address knowledge gaps regarding how men and women process fats differently, as medical research has primarily focused on men, resulting in less data about women’s metabolic responses to food.
The model enabled researchers to simulate dietary effects for women, especially in areas lacking clinical data.

Human nutrition mainly consists of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Women generally depend more on lipid — fatty acid — metabolism rather than the carbohydrate metabolism preferred by men.
The authors of the study emphasize that these metabolic differences can lead to varying metabolic responses and disease risks, highlighting the importance of a deeper understanding of these variations.
The study is published in Computers in Biology and Medicine.

Healthy Carbohydrate-Rich vs. Fat-Rich Breakfasts
Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, a Preventive Cardiology Dietitian at EntirelyNourished and not involved in the study, suggested some breakfast options for each sex.

“For men, carbohydrate-rich breakfasts that are balanced and contain soluble fiber can be beneficial. Options include oatmeal, a well-balanced smoothie, or a berry, nut, and yogurt bowl,” she recommended.
For women, Routhenstein advised “heart-healthy fats rich in unsaturated fats, such as chia pudding, a veggie egg omelet, or cottage cheese with flax seeds and apples.”
Why is Fat Metabolism Faster in Women?
Anita T. Layton, PhD, the senior investigator of the study and a professor at the University of Waterloo, explained to Medical News:

“Current knowledge presents a paradox: Women tend to preserve more fat than men during the absorptive period, but show significantly higher fat oxidation during the post-absorptive phase. Our model can inform tailored, sex-specific dietary recommendations to optimize metabolic health and prevent issues like post-meal hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. Simulations can help us understand how specific bodies respond to meals with various compositions.”

Layton suggested that the increased reliance on fat metabolism in females is likely influenced by biological differences in liver and adipose tissue.

She also explained that “the female liver channels more glycerol towards gluconeogenesis. However, it conserves glycogen more effectively than the male liver, leading to reduced glycogen breakdown and lower glucose output, which promotes free fatty acid oxidation in other organs and tissues, resulting in higher overall fat metabolism.”

Why Are There Sex Differences in Nutrient Metabolism?
Simply put, Layton stated, “Women store more fat, but also burn more fat during extended exercise and metabolize fat more efficiently after fasting.”

“Fat serves as an excellent energy source, crucial for meeting the high nutritional demands of pregnancy and lactation,” she added, noting that these sex differences are likely influenced by estrogen, as women face greater nutrient requirements during reproduction and lactation.
Layton pointed out the complexities of a woman’s life from a biological standpoint, especially compared to a man’s simpler lifespan.

“Men progress from childhood to adulthood, while women may experience pregnancy and lactation, both of which have significant nutritional needs and cause major physiological changes that can occur multiple times before menopause.

She emphasized that many of these sex differences are adaptations to prepare women for the demands of pregnancy and lactation.

Routhenstein also highlighted the recognition within the heart health community that many past studies overlooked women, with a growing effort to focus more on women’s health, especially during the perimenopausal and postmenopausal transitions.