Women Are Not Small Men: Uncovering the Bias in Health and Wellness Research

You're not failing, it's not working because it was tailored for men not women.

You're scrolling through your phone one lazy Sunday afternoon.

Suddenly, a headline catches your eye: "New Superfood Proven For Weight Loss".

Intrigued, you click into it, curious about the latest trend. Many of us have done this, drawn in by the promise of an easy solution.

But not all of us understand the fine print behind these flashy headlines.

The Unseen Bias

For too long, the standard narrative in health, wellness, weight, and medical studies has leaned towards a male-centric perspective.

The crucial phrase "women are not small men" underscores a significant issue in medical research: the glaring underrepresentation, and in some cases, complete exclusion of women.

This oversight is more profound than mere physical differences—it's fundamentally about our unique biological and hormonal blueprints.

As you digest the claims of the latest "miracle" superfood, diet, medicine or wellness plan, ask yourself: Who was this study conducted on? 

The sobering truth is that the hormonal and physiological complexities of women are often overlooked, leading to a one-size-fits-all approach that fails to fit anyone perfectly, least of all women.

The Hormonal Divide: Understanding the 28-Day Cycle

Unlike men, who experience a relatively stable 24-hour cycle hormonal environment, women navigate a complex 28-day cycle that impacts everything from metabolism to mood, cognition, and overall health.

This cyclical nature has historically led to women being excluded from most medical studies due to the "complexity" their hormonal fluctuations introduce.

A Closer Look at Weight and Wellness Research

Weight loss and wellness studies also suffer from this gender bias. Men and women lose weight differently, respond to exercise uniquely, and metabolize food in distinct ways.

However, most diet plans and fitness regimens heralded by the media are based on research conducted primarily on men. 

Women following these guidelines may find them less effective or even harmful to their health.

*IF meaning intermittent fasting

The Importance of Peer-Reviewed, Gender-Inclusive Studies

It's crucial to question the research behind the health advice we follow.

Is it peer-reviewed?

Were women included in the study, and if so, was their hormonal cycle considered?

Was it only tested on lab animals and a generalized sweeping statement was extended to humans?

Awareness and education are key to discerning the validity and applicability of health information.

If you choose to read one of these articles, look at where they are citing their research. Be proactive in the content you are consuming.

Advocating for Change and Personal Diligence

The mantra "women are not small men" serves as a reminder of the need for a shift towards more inclusive, gender-specific research.

As consumers of health information, women must advocate for themselves, seek out studies that consider the female physiology and demand better from the scientific community.

As we push for change, let's become more critical of the health information we consume and ensure it's applicable to us—not just a generalized finding from a male-dominated study.

Ready to embrace a health journey that truly understands YOU?

Don't let another headline dictate your well-being!

Click here to book your personalized application call and discover a wellness path designed with women's unique health needs in mind.

Your body, your rules—let's redefine healthy together.