Cheat meals are often seen as harmless indulgences, but their impact varies significantly between men
and women. This difference is mainly due to variations in daily calorie requirements, metabolism, and
body composition. Women typically require fewer calories—around 1200–1400 per day—compared to men, who
need about 1800–2000 calories. As a result, a 1000-calorie cheat meal can account for up to 70–80% of a
woman’s daily intake, while it represents only about half for men.
Another important factor is muscle mass.