It's about the hormones, or is it?
LookSmart's FindArticles - The abs six-pack: how possible is it to get those defined, rock-hard ab muscles? . and more of your questions answered here - Fitness Q+A Shape, August, 2002 quotes Glenn Gaesser, Ph.D., an exercise physiology professor at the University of Virginia as saying "On average, women have more total body fat than men, and proportionally tney nave more subcutaneous fat in their bellies," Gaesser says. What's more, it's easier for men to lose body fat than it is for women, partly due to hormonal differences. "If you put men and women on the same exercise and diet program, men will lose more weight on average," Gaesser says.
As men age, their hormone levels change, as do hormone levels in women. As women age, their lowering hormone levels often result in an increase in fat, as noted by Debra Waterhouse in her work "Outsmarting the Midlife Fat Cell". As the male hormone testosterone levels change in men, they also have a more difficult time losing weight and tend to add more fat on the abs. In short, young men have the easiest time with weight loss, muscle growth, and getting those "ripped abs".
It's still diet and exercise
Even young men without a tendency towards obesity need to eat well and exercise to get in shape. There are differing opinions about how effective low carbohydrate diets vs. low fat diets are in weight reduction. The best thing to do is to see a dietician. For long term weight loss and maintenance, almost everyone recommends a system like Weight Watchers.
Male Abs are easier to achieve, but it's still work. With the right genetics, a good diet, and the right exercise program, you can be on your way to being a guy whose abs are noticed.
