Tailored Breakfasts Based on Gender Could Aid in Weight Management, Study Suggests

A new study from the University of Waterloo suggests that men and women may benefit from different breakfast choices to optimize their energy levels and possibly support weight management. The research, which used a mathematical model of metabolism, found that men tend to respond better to carbohydrate-rich breakfasts, like oats and grains, after fasting, while women appear to be better served by higher-fat meals, such as eggs and avocados.

The study explores how men’s and women’s metabolisms process macronutrients differently, particularly fats. Lead author Stéphanie Abo, a PhD candidate in Applied Mathematics, emphasized that even small decisions, such as breakfast choices, can influence overall health and energy levels. "We live busy lives, so it’s important to understand how seemingly inconsequential decisions, such as what to have for breakfast, can affect our health and energy levels,” Abo explained.

This research fills a gap in understanding the metabolic differences between sexes. Co-author Anita Layton, a professor of Applied Mathematics, highlighted a key finding: while women store more fat after a meal compared to men, they also burn more fat during periods of fasting. This insight challenges traditional assumptions about fat metabolism and suggests that gender-specific dietary recommendations might be beneficial for managing energy and body weight.

Although this study provides important new insights, it emphasizes the need for more personalized nutrition strategies that account for biological sex. The researchers plan to refine their metabolic models further by incorporating additional factors like age, weight, and stages of the menstrual cycle, which could lead to even more precise dietary recommendations.