20 Best & Effective Weight Loss Tips for Men
Men often starve themselves in a bid to lose weight. However, making certain alterations in their lifestyle can result in effective weight loss. What are those changes? Let’s find out with this article on weight loss tips for men.
Causes of Weight Gain
Knowing why men gain weight is important to manage weight well. Here are some issues to consider for those who want to prevent weight gain in men:
- Sedentary Lifestyle: A sedentary lifestyle that does not involve enough physical activities during the day may lead to increased calorie intake and subsequent weight gain.
- Bad Eating Habits: Frequent consumption of food which is high in calories but does not contain many nutrients can also cause a lot of fat increase over time.
- Hormonal Imbalance: Variations in hormone levels, such as testosterone and cortisol, can cause metabolic changes that lead to obesity among males.
- Stress and Mental Health: Continuous stress leads to emotional eating, hence obesity, and disturbing hormone balance.
- Insufficient Sleep: Poor sleep patterns interrupt appetite-regulating hormones, thus causing increased body mass.
- Age-related Changes: Metabolism slows down naturally as people grow older, making it more difficult for them to manage their weight, especially for men in late life.
Top 20 Simple Weight Loss Tips for Men
Given below are some weight loss tips for men's health:
1. Include More Protein in Your Diet
A simple weight loss tip for men is to include adequate protein. This is an effective way to stay satiated longer and burn fat faster. Additionally, protein helps maintain the metabolic rate. Some protein sources are dairy products, meat, eggs, legumes, and seafood.
2. Consume Healthy Fats
Contrary to popular perception, consuming dietary fats is beneficial in losing weight. Healthy fats keep you full for longer and lower the risks associated with weight gain. Moreover, these fats help you curb binging and overeating. Almonds, olive oil, milk, and oily fish such as tuna and salmon are natural dietary fats.
3. Switch to Nutritional Beverages
Besides milk, other beverages, such as fresh homemade fruit juice, green tea, and water, accelerate weight-loss. While fruit juices and green tea are full of antioxidants and micronutrients, water has no calories. Also, these beverages improve your metabolic rate and eventually help in weight loss.
4. Add More Fibre to Your Diet
One of the top tips for men’s weight loss is to consume more fibre-rich food. Fibre absorbs water as it moves slowly through the digestive tract. As a result, you feel fuller for a longer period. So, try nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes, and high-fibre fruits and vegetables to increase your fibre intake and reduce weight loss.
5. Eat Iron-Rich Food
Individuals with obesity often suffer from hypothyroidism. As a result, they experience fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and sudden weight gain. Iron is a mineral that controls the thyroid gland and the secretion of its hormones. Peas, green leafy vegetables, seafood, etc., have a significant amount of iron. Intake of such food items induces weight loss.
6. Include Whole Grains in Your Diet
Unprocessed food grains containing kernel, bran, germ, and endosperm effectively lose weight. Whole grains regulate blood sugar levels and keep one full for longer. Barley, ragi (finger millet), brown rice, oats, etc., are healthy whole grains options.
7. Try Intermittent Fasting
Several studies indicate that intermittent fasting (IF) is an effective way of getting into shape by losing weight. It involves periods of eating and fasting. There are several IF approaches, such as the 16/8 method, the 5:2 diet, etc.
However, it is advisable to seek professional advice before starting this diet. An expert will help you understand your approach to this diet based on your weight, age, and other factors.
Now, let’s discuss some exercising tips for men’s weight loss:
8. Weight Training
Weight training is one of the male weight loss tips. It promotes muscle growth and helps you tone your body by shedding extra fats. In addition, a workout regime involving weights can improve your heart health by burning calories.
A Harvard Health experiment concludes that an individual weighing 155 pounds (70 kg) can burn 112 calories in a 30-minute weight training session.
9. Cycling
You should try to manage at least 30 to 45 minutes from your busy schedule to invest in cycling. For starters, you can do it for 3 to 4 days a week. Once your body gets adjusted, increase this time.
A Harvard Health study proves that a man weighing 155 pounds (70 kg) can burn nearly 260 calories per 30 minutes of cycling at a speed of about 20 km/hr.
Cycling also has other health benefits, such as boosting insulin sensitivity, decreasing the risks of heart diseases and cancer, and increasing lifespan.
10. Full-Body Workouts
Let us break another myth – you cannot target fat loss in specific body parts. Rather, engage your entire body for fast weight loss. You can try exercising in the morning or hitting the gym after work. You can try squats, push-ups, deadlifts, chin-ups, and other exercises at home as an alternative to gym sessions.
11. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
HIIT is an umbrella term to indicate short bursts of intense workouts with alternate recovery periods. A high-intensity interval training typically lasts for 10 to 30 minutes and burns a significant amount of calories. This is one of the fastest weight loss tips for Indian men.
12. Swimming Sessions
Besides increasing one’s flexibility, swimming ensures an effective fat burn. A study by Harvard Health reveals that a man weighing 155 pounds (70 kg) can burn up to 233 calories by doing backstrokes, 372 calories with breaststrokes, and 409 calories by doing butterfly strokes in a 30-minute swimming session. Moreover, swimming takes care of joint pain and improves heart health.
Disclaimer: Seek professional assistance before including these exercises in your daily routine.
Given below are some generic weight loss tips for men that you can incorporate into your daily life:
13. Get a Full Night’s Sleep
Sleep deprivation increases appetite and slows the metabolic rate, hurting our health, especially our weight. In addition, individuals who do not have enough sleep tend to crave high-calorie food. Moreover, lack of sleep increases oxidative stress, blood sugar levels, and insulin resistance, eventually leading to weight gain.
14. Track What You Eat
One of the weight loss tips for men is keeping track of everything they eat. Here, you can use a mobile application to help you maintain a record of your meals. But before that, consult a professional who can curate a meal plan based on your body's nutritional requirements.
Weight Loss Tips for Men over 40
15. Consume More Green Vegetables
Vegetables are the powerhouse of nutrients and help to lose some extra kilos. A study by the University of Carolina found that men who chose a plant-based diet lost more weight than those on an animal-based diet. Also, plant-based fats contain healthy fats and are, therefore, crucial for men over 40 years.
16. Check Your Alcohol Consumption
Individuals who wish to maintain a good physique should cut back on alcoholic beverages. Besides, alcohol hampers one’s liver and disrupts its hormonal secretion. A single shot of liquor contains about 96 calories. Furthermore, alcohol dehydrates the human body and makes one crave salty foods.
17. Eat a Light Dinner
As one age, he/she should include a few dietary changes to maintain a healthy lifestyle. For instance, men who want to lose weight and are in their 40s should consume most of the day’s calories by 3 P.M. This way, they can lose weight easily.
Likewise, specific lifestyle changes should be made if you are inching towards your mid-50s or 60s. Let us now discuss these:
3 Weight Loss Tips for Men over 50
18. Take Up Strength Training
As mentioned earlier, strength training is one of the common weight loss tips for men. It increases metabolism and burns more calories. Besides, if you want to strengthen your muscles, include weight training in your workout sessions. However, we suggest that you do not try this without professional assistance.
19. Cut Back on Soda
Did you know that a can of soda contains around 150 calories? Although it contains enough calories, it does not satisfy an individual’s appetite. Thus, it is wise to substitute a can of soda with something more satiating. For instance, you can go for a salad or munch on nuts. This way, you can limit your sugar intake and lose weight.
20. Do Yoga Regularly
Yoga calms an individual’s body and mind alongside accelerating weight loss. Also, yoga is relaxing and less strenuous, which makes it suitable for men over 50. At least try to invest 30 minutes in yoga every day.
What Food Items Should Men Include While Trying to Lose Weight?
Focusing on nutrient-dense foods that support satiety and overall health is essential when aiming for weight loss. Here are some food items that men should include in their diet while trying to lose weight:
Chicken breast
Fish (such as salmon or trout)
Tofu
Leafy greens (like spinach or kale)
Quinoa
Greek yoghurt
Avocado
Almonds
Berries (such as strawberries or blueberries)
Lentils
What Food Items Should Men Avoid While Trying to Lose Weight?
When aiming for weight loss, it's important to avoid certain foods that can hinder progress and contribute to weight gain. Here are some food items that men should avoid while trying to lose weight:
Processed foods
Sugary beverages
Fried foods
White bread and pastries
Sugary snacks and desserts
High-fat dairy products
Excessive alcohol
Fast food
Sugary cereals
High-calorie sauces and condiments
Benefits of Weight Loss
Weight loss offers numerous benefits for men beyond just aesthetic improvements. Here are some significant advantages:
- Improved Heart Health: Losing excess weight reduces the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke, leading to a healthier cardiovascular system.
- Enhanced Physical Fitness: Losing weight can improve endurance, strength, and overall physical performance, enabling men to engage in activities with greater ease and enjoyment.
- Better Sleep Quality: Weight loss can alleviate sleep apnea and snoring, improving sleep quality and overall restfulness.
- Increased Confidence: Weight loss goals can boost self-esteem and confidence, enhancing mental well-being and overall quality of life.
- Hormonal Balance: Weight loss can help regulate hormone levels, such as testosterone, leading to improved libido, fertility, and overall sexual health.
- Reduced Joint Pain: Excess weight strains joints, leading to pain and discomfort. Weight loss can alleviate this strain, reducing joint pain and improving mobility.
Risks of Weight Loss
While weight loss offers numerous benefits, it's important to be aware of potential risks, especially for men. Here are some risks associated with weight loss:
- Muscle Loss: Rapid weight loss can lead to muscle loss, especially if not accompanied by strength training exercises. Muscle loss can result in decreased strength, metabolism, and physical performance.
- Nutrient Deficiency: Severely restricting calories or following fad diets can lead to nutrient deficiencies, negatively impacting overall health and well-being.
- Hormonal Imbalance: Extreme weight loss can disrupt hormone levels, particularly testosterone, which may lead to decreased libido, mood swings, and other hormonal imbalances in men.
- Gallstones: Rapid weight loss increases the risk of developing gallstones, which can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and other digestive issues.
- Electrolyte Imbalance: Drastic changes in fluid and electrolyte balance during weight loss can lead to dehydration, fatigue, muscle cramps, and other health complications.
- Mental Health Concerns: Extreme dieting and rapid weight loss can contribute to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders in men.
Those were the top 20 weight loss tips for men you can consider. However, there are a few points that you must avoid when trying to shed weight, such as the following:
- Never Skip Your Breakfast
- Get 8 Hours of Sleep
- Avoid Trans Fats and Refined Carbohydrates
- Do Not Miss Your Workout Sessions
- Never Starve Yourself
- Do Not Fall for Fat-free or Diet Food
- Never Set Unrealistic Goals
- Do Not Eat Unless You Are Hungry
- Do Not Obsess over Results
- Stop Smoking and Drinking
That concludes this article on the 20 most effective weight loss tips for men. You can consider these practices and achieve your target body weight. That said, remember to consult a professional for a customised approach as per your body type.
FAQs on Weight Loss Tips for Men
What should a 40-year-old man do to lose weight?
A 40-year-old man should keep track of his meals and exercise regularly in order to lose weight. Besides, he should limit his alcohol consumption and quit smoking.
What types of vegetables help in weight loss?
Green leafy vegetables are good for weight loss. Therefore, one can add spinach, lettuce, kale, etc., to his diet.
What is the best time to exercise for weight loss?
Regular physical activity is beneficial regardless of the time. Still, some men find it helpful to exercise in the morning to kickstart their metabolism and set a positive tone for the day.
Can stress affect weight loss in men?
Yes, chronic stress can lead to weight gain or hinder weight loss efforts in men. Managing stress through relaxation techniques or seeking professional support can benefit weight management.
Is it necessary to count calories for weight loss?
While counting calories can be helpful for some men, it's unnecessary for everyone. Instead, focusing on nutrient-dense foods and portion control can be equally effective for weight loss.
How can men stay motivated during weight loss?
Setting realistic goals, tracking progress, seeking support from friends or a support group, and celebrating small victories can help men stay motivated on their weight loss journey.
Is it possible to spot and reduce fat in specific areas?
Spot reduction of fat in specific areas is a common misconception. Instead, overall weight loss through diet and exercise is necessary to reduce body fat percentage.
Can supplements aid in weight loss for men?
While some supplements may claim to aid in weight loss, their effectiveness and safety vary. It's essential to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating any supplements into your weight loss regimen.
How can men overcome weight loss plateaus?
Plateaus are common during weight loss journeys. Men can overcome them by adjusting their diet, increasing the intensity of their physical activity, or trying new exercises to challenge their bodies.
Can genetics influence weight loss in men?
Genetics can affect metabolism and body composition, affecting weight loss outcomes to some extent. However, lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise still have a significant impact.
Is it okay to indulge in cheat meals while trying to lose weight?
Occasional indulgence in cheat meals is acceptable for many men as long as they are balanced with healthy eating habits and regular exercise. However, moderation is key to preventing derailing progress.
How important is hydration for weight loss in men?
Proper hydration is crucial for overall health and can support weight loss by promoting satiety, boosting metabolism, and aiding digestion and nutrient absorption.
Can lack of sleep hinder weight loss for men?
Yes, inadequate sleep can disrupt hormone regulation, leading to increased appetite, cravings for unhealthy foods, and reduced energy levels, which can hinder weight loss efforts.
Are there specific foods that can speed up metabolism for men?
Certain foods, such as lean proteins, spicy foods, and those rich in caffeine or green tea extract, may temporarily boost metabolism. However, the impact is typically modest and temporary.
How can men maintain weight loss long-term?
Sustainable weight loss maintenance requires healthy lifestyle habits, including regular exercise, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, stress management, and ongoing support from healthcare professionals or support groups.