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What’s the testosterone weight loss connection?

Felix Gussone, MD - Contributor Avatar

Reviewed by Felix Gussone, MD, Ro, 

Written by Kristin DeJohn 

Felix Gussone, MD - Contributor Avatar

Reviewed by Felix Gussone, MD, Ro, 

Written by Kristin DeJohn 

last updated: Oct 24, 2022

3 min read

Here's what we'll cover

Here's what we'll cover

Testosterone is an essential sex hormone in both men and women, but present at much higher levels in men. It’s responsible for male features such as facial hair and a deeper voice. It also regulates libido (sex drive), sperm production, red blood cell creation, and mood. 

Since testosterone also boosts metabolism, reduces body fat, and increases lean muscle mass, some may wonder: Can supplementing testosterone lead to weight loss?

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Does testosterone cause weight loss? 

Men with low testosterone levels, also known as “low T” or hypogonadism, can experience various symptoms. They may notice a drop in sex drive, erectile dysfunction, anemia (low red blood cell count), osteoporosis (weak bones), loss of muscle mass, and increased body weight (Nassar, 2022). 

In several studies, men with low T who received testosterone replacement therapy  (TRT) tended to lose weight and experience reduced body mass index (BMI). Increased lean muscle, reduced waist circumference, and improved blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and glucose metabolism have also been reported in men on TRT compared to those taking a placebo (Saad, 2020; Kaur, 2021).

So, does that mean everyone struggling with weight should start injecting testosterone? Definitely not. 

Testosterone isn’t a weight loss treatment, and it’s nowhere near being considered as such. The American College of Physicians says TRT in men with age-related low T can help improve sexual dysfunction and quality of life. The American Urological Association mentions improvements in erectile function, sex drive, anemia, bone mineral density, lean body mass, and depressive symptoms (Diem, 2020; Mulhall, 2018). Nobody recommends testosterone supplementation as a weight loss treatment.

While TRT for low T is generally safe under medical supervision, it’s a medication that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Testosterone products carry a boxed warning that they may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, including strokes and heart attacks (FDA, 2018). There have been conflicting studies about heart disease risk, and current studies are underway. The potential side effects of testosterone, such as decreased sperm production and high red blood cell count, which can cause blood clots, chest pain, headache, and blurred vision, should also be discussed with a healthcare provider if you’re considering TRT for any reason (Cheetham, 2017; Cervi, 2017).

Can low testosterone cause weight gain? 

There is a two-way connection between body fat and testosterone. While normal levels of testosterone stimulate the body to produce lean muscle and skeletal cells rather than fat cells, low testosterone in men is linked to a higher body fat percentage and can make it harder to lose fat. Testosterone deficiency has been linked to both metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes in men (Fernandez, 2019; Genchi, 2022).

On the other hand, having excess weight, especially in the form of belly fat, can boost the activity of an enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen, which in high levels, is linked to obesity in men (Genchi, 2022).

How to boost testosterone if you have low T

If you think you may have low T, it’s best to talk to your healthcare provider. Low T can be confused with other medical conditions like iron deficiency or depression. Testosterone levels are usually checked in the morning when levels are highest. Two low readings (<300 ng/dL) on separate mornings, along with clinical symptoms, are usually required for a diagnosis. Checking both total and free testosterone helps pinpoint problems (Sizar, 2022).

A decrease in testosterone is a natural part of aging and doesn’t require treatment unless it falls under a certain threshold (usually below 300 ng/dL) and causes bothersome symptoms. If you have low T, no longer desire fertility, and have symptoms that bother you, your healthcare provider may discuss TRT. Since TRT negatively impacts male fertility, be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you are still planning to have kids; in that case, they may recommend a medication like Clomid, which can raise testosterone without harming fertility.  

There are also a variety of ways to boost testosterone naturally and maintain muscle mass, including: 

Your weight is affected by many factors. If you have questions about weight loss or low T, check with your healthcare provider to explore the causes and treatment options.

DISCLAIMER

If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The articles on Health Guide are underpinned by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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Current version

October 24, 2022

Written by

Kristin DeJohn

Fact checked by

Felix Gussone, MD

About the medical reviewer

Felix Gussone, MD - Contributor Avatar

Felix Gussone, MD, Ro

Felix Gussone is a physician, health journalist and a Manager, Medical Content & Education at Ro.

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