SHAPED BY HORMONES
The difference in male and female fat distribution is mostly dictated by the primary sex hormones released in their bodies. Both men and women produce the hormones testosterone and oestrogen, but women have higher levels of oestrogen, compared with men who have higher levels of testosterone. Testosterone reduces belly fat but favours the accumulation of abdominal fat over thigh fat in men. The hormone also helps build muscle mass. With more muscle mass, men require more energy to maintain fat tissue, reducing the levels of excess fat that are stored.