Body Fat in Women
Women typically have more fat tissue than men. The average woman’s body is composed of about 27 percent fat, while the average man has only 15 percent body fat.
Body Fat in Middle Age
As women become menopausal their estrogen hormone levels drop. This leads to a change in body shape and fat distribution. The female waist thickens and fat is deposited on the front of the abdomen (stomach area) rather like the male body. In addition, the metabolic rate slows and fewer calories are required. So if a woman continues to eat and exercise normally, weight and fat gain is inevitable.