Males are more likely to accumulate fat around their midsections, whereas women prefer to gain weight around their thighs and buttocks.
Increased levels of testosterone in males have been linked to increased abdominal fat storage, whereas elevated estrogen levels in women have been linked to increased fat storage in the hips and thighs.
Generally speaking, male abdominal fat has an apple form, whereas female abdominal fat has a pear shape.
When both sexes are the same weight, males tend to have more visceral fat, or belly fat, than women (BMI).
Excess belly fat puts men and women at risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. Although males with the same amount of belly fat may be at a higher risk of heart disease, women may be at a reduced risk.
Women may benefit more from moderate-intensity exercise, while males may react better to high-intensity exercise for decreasing belly fat.
Age-related hormonal and metabolic changes cause both sexes to gain abdominal fat as they become older. Yet, post-menopausal women may be at a greater risk for gaining abdominal fat.
The ability to retain and gain abdominal fat may run in families. It's possible that, regardless of sex, some individuals are genetically inclined to putting on more belly fat than others.