Have you ever noticed that when you and your boyfriend or husband go on the same diet, he loses way more weight than you? You’re not alone—this happens to women everywhere. So why do men shed pounds more easily?

The main reason is that men generally have more muscle mass than women, thanks to the hormone testosterone. Because of this, men burn more calories even when they’re just resting or sitting around—they have a faster metabolism. When it comes to working out, men also burn more calories doing the same exercises, so women often have to work out harder to lose the same amount of weight.

Building muscles through weight training can help speed up your metabolism, but physical factors aren’t the only things making weight loss tougher for women. There are mental factors too. Women often have a stronger emotional connection to food, which can make strict diets challenging, especially when there are no “cheat days.” If a woman has an unhealthy snack, it can sometimes lead to overeating and undoing all the hard work.

Men, on the other hand, usually find it easier to stick to diets and aren’t as hard on themselves if they slip up. They tend to get back on track more quickly after an indulgence. So, the key is not to beat yourself up over a slip-up. Enjoy the treat and then get right back to healthy eating—no dessert.

Men and women also tend to have different food preferences. While people often think women prefer more carbs and men prefer more meat, it’s actually true that men, because of their larger muscle mass and energy needs, can handle more carbs without gaining weight. If a man and woman ate the same amount of carbs, the man is more likely to lose weight.

So, don’t be too hard on yourself if you’re not losing as much weight as your partner. Men’s bodies just lose weight more easily.

Do you have any stories about trying to lose weight with your partner? Did you see similar results, or was one of you more successful? Share your experiences in the comments below.