Energy balance
Females have a higher percentage of body fat and fat mass, and lower fat-free mass compared to males across all age groups, but the trajectory of body composition change with age is similar between sexes.
Women naturally carry more fat and less muscle than men, which lowers their baseline calorie needs. However, as you age, your body composition changes (losing muscle, gaining fat) in a pattern very similar to men. Focus on strength training to preserve muscle mass; this is the most effective way to counteract the age-related drop in energy expenditure for both sexes.
Females generally have a higher percentage of %fat and FM, along with lower FFM, compared with males across all age groups... These findings are important for understanding how aging affects metabolism and body composition
Why this rating
Large sample size and robust measurement methods (DLW for FFM, body mass for FM).
Source
Sex Differences in Measures of Energy Expenditure and Body Composition in Young, Middle-Aged, and Older Adults
Hannah E. Cabre et al. · Current Developments in Nutrition · 2025
DOI 10.1016/j.cdnut.2025.107614
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