Men and women are impacted by obesity differently and the manner in which obesity is expressed differs as well, due to hormones, genetics, and metabolism. Men tend to accumulate central (abdominal) fat, which is linked to higher rates of cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance, while females accumulate peripheral fat that has implications for reproductive health and metabolic profiles. Hormones (i.e. estrogen and testosterone) have important roles in fat storage, energy metabolism, and appetite regulation. These factors contribute to how men and women respond to dietary, exercise, and weight-management strategies, which makes gender-specific approaches a good idea in order to prevent and treat obesity. Different responses to weight management also add to the importance of understanding gender differences in obesity to develop individualized interventions, mitigate the effects and risks of obesity, and improve metabolic and cardiovascular health.