Which sex is genetically more likely to have a higher percentage of body fat?

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Females are genetically predisposed to have a higher percentage of body fat compared to males. This difference is largely influenced by hormonal factors, particularly estrogen, which plays a vital role in fat distribution and storage in women. Advances in research indicate that the female body utilizes fat as a necessary energy source for reproductive purposes, including pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Typically, a higher percentage of body fat in women is also linked to biological functions such as hormone regulation and metabolism. While males generally have a higher muscle mass and lower body fat percentage due to the effects of testosterone, which promotes muscle growth, the overall average body fat percentage remains consistently higher in females across various studies.

The notion of equal percentages between the sexes does not hold in the context of biological differences, and while age may influence fat distribution and amount in both sexes, it does not alter the fundamental genetic predisposition regarding higher body fat percentages in females. As such, the understanding of these genetic and hormonal influences is crucial in the context of health, fitness, and biological research.

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