Fig. 1.

Gender differences in body composition and eating behavior. Subcutaneous adipose tissue presents higher concentrations of estrogen and progesterone receptors than androgen receptors. Conversely, visceral adipose tissue has a higher concentration of androgen receptors. Hormonal differences may explain the sexual dimorphism of adiposity between men and women: women have more adipose tissue than men and a peripheral distribution of fat mass, while men have a central distribution of fat mass. Sex hormones also influence food preferences: women prefer more carbohydrate-rich and sweet foods, while men prefer more fat-rich foods. ARs androgen receptors; ERs estrogen receptors; PRs progesterone receptors