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Fiona fox's blog
At The European Congress on Obesity (ECO) it was announced that raising blood testosterone levels to normal in older overweight or obese men with reduced levels of the hormone causes substantial weight loss and other health gains.
Professor Richard Sharpe, University of Edinburgh, said:
“There are numerous studies showing that obesity (or rather abdominal obesity, increased waistline) is associated with reduced testosterone levels in men and a reduction in lean mass (ie muscle). This may also explain why men with type 2 diabetes (usually associated with abdominal obesity) have lowered testosterone levels. Abdominal obesity is associated with all of the major ‘Western’ diseases (cardiovascular, liver disease, type 2 diabetes etc) and to erectile impotence.
“With aging, especially beyond 40-50 years, testosterone levels tend to slowly decline which may predispose to abdominal obesity which will then further lower testosterone levels (ie a vicious cycle of effect); development of moobs may be one sign of this. It has even been shown in young men (~30) who are not obese that as visceral (intra-abdominal) fat increases so testosterone levels decrease. Therefore, it is understandable that testosterone treatment may help to reduce weight as it is proven already to do so (and to promote lean mass). The issues are (1) who needs treatment, and (2) what are the trade-offs, such as increased risks of prostate disease and/or perhaps cardiovascular disease (one study has suggested). So the notion that this is a quick fix for obese older men is, as always, simplistic. It is far far far more sensible (and safe) for the men to reduce their food intake, reduce their obesity which will then elevate their own testosterone (without any risks and with multiple benefits).
“Indeed, if I had one piece of advice to give to aging men it is to reduce your intra-abdominal fat to conserve your decreasing testosterone levels. It will prolong your life, protect you from the common Western diseases AND conserve your testosterone (which is associated with greater energy levels and of course greater sex drive/libido).”