Is It Actually Harder To Lose Weight When You're Short?

Oct 09, 2018

After spending your entire life walking on your tippy toes, using a step stool while rummaging through your kitchen cabinet, and having to ask complete strangers for help reaching the cereal at the grocery store, you find out that part of the reason as to why you struggle to lose weight is because you are ... short!

Losing weight can be one of the most challenging tasks that you may ever have to endure. And prior to embarking upon this difficult journey, you have likely realized that there are a multitude of factors that may keep you from losing weight - like food, sleeping patterns, stress levels, and everything else under the sun. We hate to bear bad news, but your height may also be working against your weight loss efforts.

Is It Really Harder For Shorter Women To Lose Weight?

As adorable and fun-sized as you are, yes - it is harder for women your height to lose weight. As silly as it sounds, there is actually some science to back this notion up.

The fact of the matter is, the more muscle mass that a person has, the easier it is for them to lose weight, and by design, taller people tend to have greater muscle mass. A greater muscle mass equals a higher metabolism.

It's A "Numbers" Game

As much as we love our "lengthy" friends, we may consider ditching them once we realize the advantages that they have regarding food.

Sadly, choosing the same sugary dessert as your 5'9 friend at lunch time may cause you to go over your calorie recommendation while your companion remains unaffected. This is simply because taller people burn more calories. Your basal metabolic rate, or BMR, is the amount of calories that your body needs for survival everyday.

Women who are around five feet or shorter will burn about 1,200 calories, those of an average height would burn around 1,400, and taller women (around 5'10) will burn at least 1,750 at a resting state.

You will also need to consider your physical state and condition upon entering into the situation. We're sure that you've heard that it is easier for a heavier person to lose weight versus one that is already small. The scenario looks the same for someone nearing six feet in contrast to a person who is only 5'1. The more weight you start with, the easier it is to lose, and vice versa.

So Are Shorter People Doomed In The Weight Loss Category?

Though there are some disadvantages and obstacles that a shorter person may be faced with while trying to shed some extra pounds, they are not down for the count.

Here are four ways to keep up with your "leggy" counterparts during your fitness journey.

Though cardio isn't a bad idea when you are looking to drop a dress size or two, strength training might be more effective for a shorter person. As we stated earlier, taller people have an easier time losing weight due to their greater muscle mass. The most effective way to gain muscle mass and even out your disadvantages is to lift heavy weights.

Lifting heavy weights will lead you to more muscle gains. The more muscle you have, the more calories you will burn.

Although it is more than tempting to "treat" yourself after a long and strenuous workout, you must remember not to go overboard. Your body knows what it actually needs to survive. We often overeat without even realizing it.

Pay attention to your hunger cues and only consume enough to satisfy them. You will often find that you actually require less than you think.

We hate calorie counting as much as anyone, but as annoying as it can be sometimes, it is necessary to do if you are looking to lose weight.

In order to slim down, you must cut the calories down a bit. Try keeping track of your calorie consumption as best as you can. Don't stress too much about being exact; just keep a ballpark count to make sure that you aren't eating too many which can sabotage your weight loss efforts.

You've probably heard that you should consume protein regularly, especially after workouts, but do you know why? Well, one of the main reasons is because protein keeps the body fuller for longer. This is ideal for shorter people who have to maintain a calorie deficit diet plan. Protein also helps to build and repair muscles.

The internet contains loads of helpful advice for just about anything, but for a case so intimate, you might want to speak with a dietitian for more personal assistance.

Chatting with an expert may not only provide you with information that is specific to you and your body type, but you will also gain more insight on how to tailor your diet so that you are still providing your body with the nutrients that it requires.

In order to achieve a goal, you must have an idea as to what you are up against. Though trying to lose weight while being at a lower height may require you to try a bit harder, your desires are not impossible. Knowing your body and staying motivated are key factors for weight loss. Just remember to stay positive and keep at it!

Do you feel that your height has hindered your weight loss efforts? We want to hear about your journey below.

Pass this along to all of your vertically challenged friends!

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!