‘Do I Need to Eat More?’ — Ask Dr. Harry Fisch

'Does a guy's body need more fuel per pound of body weight than women, regardless of activity level?' -- Levi, 38, Alabama

Yes, all other things being equal, a man will burn more calories per hour than a woman of the same weight at the same activity level.

Men, on average, have greater muscle mass per pound than women—and muscle cells burn calories faster than other types of cells. Testosterone, too, amps up a guy’s metabolism. That’s why government nutrition recommendations are generally about 400 calories per day higher for men than for women. But these are averages. Genes play a huge role, as well.

Look around and you’ll realize that it’s still incredibly easy for guys to be overweight, despite their slight gender-based advantage when it comes to burning calories.

Dr. Harry Fisch is a board certified urologist. He’s here to answer reader questions in an effort to get guys to “man up about health.”