Does Obesity Cause Low Testosterone?
Obesity is a growing health concern in the United States and around the world.
Obesity can lead to a range of health conditions and complications, including low Testosterone in men.
Several studies show that obesity is a consistent predictor of low Testosterone in male patients. Read on to learn more about obesity and its connection to low T levels.
The Connection Between Obesity and Low Testosterone
Insulin Resistance and Testosterone
Obese and overweight patients often develop insulin resistance.
Insulin resistance is when the body has trouble using insulin to move glucose (sugar) into the cells for energy. This causes high blood sugar, which can lead to health complications over time.
Insulin resistance can cause a decrease in Sex Hormone Binging Globulin (SHBG). SHBG binds to Testosterone in the body, so decreases in SHBG impact Testosterone levels.
Insulin resistance can also effect the HPT axis, which controls the production of Testosterone. This leads to lower free (unbound) Testosterone in the blood.
Fat Cells and Estrogen
Fat cells produce Estrogen, so obese patients may experience an increase in Estrogen as a result of weight gain. Since hormones are connected in the body, elevated Estrogen levels can negatively impact Testosterone production.
Elevated estrogen levels in men may also lead to symptoms like infertility, depression and mood swings, further weight gain, and insomnia.
In severe cases, elevated estrogen in men can lead to the development of breast tissue, or gynecomastia.
Testosterone and Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolism refers to how the body breaks down food into energy and removes waste.
Conditions like obesity, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and others interrupt this process. This disruption is called Metabolic Syndrome.
There is an established connection between Testosterone and Metabolic Syndrome.
Testosterone is responsible for helping the body break down fat and build muscle.
When Testosterone levels fall due to obesity, it creates a cycle. The body is less able to burn fat and create muscle, which leads to more weight gain and worsening metabolic disorder.
So, Does Obesity Cause Low Testosterone?
Obesity can cause low Testosterone in men. Falling Testosterone levels can also contribute to obesity, leading to a cycle of weight gain and low T levels.
Can Testosterone Replacement Therapy Treat Obesity?
While Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) isn’t specifically prescribed to help patients lose weight, many patients experience weight loss as a benefit.
This occurs because Testosterone is responsible for maintaining body weight and building muscle, among other important functions. When Testosterone levels fall, patients may experience weight gain and difficulty putting on muscle mass.
Body composition is the ratio of fat to muscle and non-fat mass in a patient’s body. An unhealthy body composition occurs when a patient has a much higher fat ratio compared to muscle and other tissues.
In obese patients, TRT can break the cycle of low T levels and weight gain. It can address conditions like:
- Uncontrolled weight gain
- Insulin resistance
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Elevated estrogen
TRT can also help improve energy levels, since low Testosterone often causes fatigue and insomnia.
When patients have more energy, they typically have an easier time sticking to exercise routines.
Other Therapies for Obesity
Defy Medical offers additional treatments to help with weight loss. These are sometimes paired with TRT to create a comprehensive wellness protocol.
GLP-1 Medications
GLP-1 agonists include medications like Semaglutide, Liraglutide, and Tirzepatide.
These medications were initially developed to manage type-2 diabetes by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, which regulates the release of insulin.
Clinical trials have shown significant weight loss and improved cardiovascular and metabolic health in non-diabetic participants using these treatments.
The FDA recently approved several GLP-1 medications for weight loss under different brand names.
GLP-1 agonists like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide can help stimulate weight loss by:
- Increasing insulin production
- Lowering blood sugar
- Slowing digestion to create a feeling of fullness and reduce appetite.
Many of our patients have benefited from combining a TRT and a GLP-1 protocol to encourage healthy hormone balance and weight loss (results and suitability vary by patient).
Other Weight Loss Prescriptions
In addition to GLP-1 agonists, Defy Medical offers access to other prescription medications that can boost energy, encourage fat burning, and reduce hunger cravings.
Some of these medications include:
- Bella Capsules – These prescriptions include ingredients like Topiramate (appetite suppressant), caffeine (appetite suppressant and energy booster), and Bupropion (cravings suppressant) to support a weight loss plan.
- Lipo-Burn – This prescription includes ingredients like Phentermine (appetite suppressant and energy booster) and Naltrexone (cravings suppressant) to support a weight loss plan.
- Lipo-Sculpt Cream – This cream can be applied to specific areas for spot treatment to reduce fat deposits.
- Phentermine – This prescription can reduce food cravings and provide energy for an active lifestyle.
Weight Loss Supplements
Patients can also access supplements that help boost fat burn, improve energy and mood, and more. These include:
- Lipo-C Injections – An injectable lipotropic medication that may boost fat burning and preserve lean muscle.
- B12 Shots – These injections can increase energy to help patients feel more motivated to complete their workouts.
- Bi-Amino Injections – This amino acid injection includes L-arginine, and L-citrulline, which can support energy levels and cardiovascular health for improved workouts.
Defy Medical offers TRT and Weight Loss Therapies
You’ve learned that low Testosterone can cause obesity, and that obesity can also have a negative impact on Testosterone levels. This cycle often leads to frustration and difficulty making healthy changes.
If you’re ready to break the cycle, connect with Defy Medical to learn more about Testosterone Replacement Therapy and other effective weight loss therapies.
We’ve helped thousands of patients address issues with obesity and body composition through TRT and other treatments as appropriate.
You can access our expert care conveniently via telemedicine, with medications shipped to your door.
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