If you have ever tried to lose weight — and the statistics show that there is a pretty good chance that you have — you may know vaguely that women and men lose weight in different ways and at varying levels of difficulty. It’s important before you undertake any weight-loss journey to do the research and make sure you are doing what’s right for your body. This includes putting together a plan that will be beneficial for your particular situation in the long run.

Men vs. women: What are the differences?

Maintaining a healthy weight and preventing heart disease and diabetes are achievable for the different sexes. When it comes to health conditions like diabetes and heart disease, men and women both suffer, but they do it in different ways and with varying levels of distress. Research has shown that diabetes affects heart health more dramatically in women than in men. In addition, women with diabetes die sooner than women without (8.2 years), whereas men who have diabetes die 7.5 years earlier than men without.

Where do you start?

It can be a daunting task to undertake a weight-loss program. It’s clear that diet and exercise are important parts of any regimen, but how? And in what quantities? Women’s metabolisms are naturally higher than those of men thanks to the fact that women store more fat (and metabolic rate is determined in muscle instead). So, it may be accurate to say that women may have a more difficult time getting their metabolism in the right place. However, with the right attitude, the right information, and the right attire, you can get off to a good start.

Here are some things to remember as you begin:

Diet

Eating the right food can not only keep your metabolism in the right place, but it can help with insulin levels and with preventing or mitigating the impact of heart disease and diabetes.

Don’t make huge adjustments to your daily routine, unless it’s absolutely necessary. Incremental changes are easier to maintain. For instance, if you want to keep drinking your coffee, go for it — just cut back on the sugar or milk if those are things you usually use. Intermittent fasting may be an attractive option for some people, as well. This type of diet involves fasting for brief periods to allow our insulin levels to drop and therefore allow our bodies to burn more fat. Some studies have shown that intermittent fasting may even be beneficial for managing type 2 diabetes.

Exercise

Moving your body will help you lose weight and stave off the impacts of heart disease. Your heart is a muscle just like any other, and it needs to be stimulated! Living a sedentary lifestyle is one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease — so starting or continuing your regimen can have a lasting impact on your ability to fight off this disease and stay healthy.

Don’t forget that when you’re exercising, you want to be as comfortable as possible. Pick out a workout outfit that makes you feel comfortable and confident, including clothes that don’t sacrifice style. A nice stretchy pair of leggings can take you far; not to mention look for a comfortable sports bra that doesn’t have an underwire.

Bring it all together

All of these facets need to be taken into account when starting a new routine or when looking to amp up your current weight-loss goals.