Can Testosterone Help With Fat Loss?
Testosterone, a crucial hormone, not only contributes to sperm production and secondary sexual characteristics formation in males but also plays a role in regulating metabolism in both males and females. Consequently, testosterone can aid in weight loss by promoting fat burning.
Research has indicated that individuals with consistently low testosterone levels may experience inhibited muscle development and an increased likelihood of gaining weight. Furthermore, maintaining adequate levels of natural testosterone has been linked to sustained weight loss, decreased waist circumference, and an improved basal metabolic rate (BMR).
Do You Have the Features of Testosterone Deficiency?
The Androgen Deficiency in Aging Males (ADAM) questionnaire is an easy way to answer questions about your sexual health, which can help to see if you need your testosterone level checked.
It is an internationally accredited assessment tool which is often used by doctors when making the assessment and diagnosis of Testosterone Deficiency. A positive result does not necessarily mean that you have a low testosterone level or require treatment, but can be a helpful guide when discussing your symptoms with your doctor.
ADAM Questionnaire
Please answer the questions below.
What Is Testosterone?
While testosterone is primarily produced in the testes of males, it is also found in small amounts in females, albeit from a different source. In females, the adrenal gland produces this hormone in limited quantities.
Testosterone is an essential hormone that serves crucial functions in both male and female bodies. It regulates the metabolic rate and plays a direct role in muscle tissue synthesis and the maintenance of bone health.
Insufficient testosterone levels can challenge muscle gain and maintenance, and metabolisms can also be slowed. When these factors are combined, they can increase body fat, particularly in the abdomen and hip areas, potentially resulting in obesity.
What Is Low Testosterone?
The typical range for testosterone in the body is approximately 12 to 30 nmol/l or 350 to 1000 nanograms per deciliter of blood. Symptoms of low testosterone are commonly seen when levels dip below 350 nanograms per deciliter or 12nmol/l, although symptoms can also manifest at higher levels or when free testosterone levels are low.
As testosterone plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, a decrease in its production may manifest through a range of symptoms, such as
Men have a decreased sex drive
● A general feeling of lethargy and laziness
● Moodiness
● Being unable to concentrate or focus
● An increase in abdominal fat
● Muscle mass decreases
● Weakness
While it is common for testosterone levels to decrease with age, it is essential to note that not all symptoms mentioned above are necessarily caused by low testosterone. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional and have your hormone levels evaluated.
The Anabolic Effects Of Testosterone
As testosterone levels decline, muscle mass can decrease, as the body's metabolism may become sluggish. Conversely, adequate levels of this hormone can promote the development of lean muscle mass and boost metabolic function.
Research has shown that inadequate testosterone levels can increase abdominal and hip fat, resulting in central obesity.
Testosterone And Obesity
Testosterone levels in obese and overweight men have been extensively studied, revealing that these individuals may have up to 30% less testosterone compared to men of average weight. Additionally, men with hypogonadism, a condition characterized by reduced testes functionality, often experience rapid weight gain. However, research has shown that testosterone replacement therapy can effectively reverse this weight gain in such cases.
Low testosterone levels in obese men may contribute to weight gain through the increase of an enzyme called aromatase, according to many scientists who are still researching the exact mechanism behind this phenomenon.
Studies have demonstrated that obese men exhibit higher levels of oestrogen in their bloodstream, which may be due to an increase in aromatase activity. This enzyme converts testosterone into oestrogen, thus contributing to hormonal imbalances in men with excess body weight.
The high aromatase levels initiate the negative feedback loop, which increases oestrogen production. This excess oestrogen then inhibits the secretion of GnRH, resulting in a decrease in testosterone production. As a result, the pituitary gland ceases to produce Luteinizing hormone, further exacerbating the situation by limiting testosterone production in the testes.
Obese men often experience a decrease in testosterone production, leading to imbalances in hormone levels. This can result in elevated estrogen levels and further exacerbate the scarcity of testosterone in their bodies.
The Long Game
Just as women experience hormonal fluctuations throughout their menstrual cycle, men also experience a monthly dip in testosterone levels. This natural variation in testosterone production is a normal male hormonal cycle.
When testosterone levels remain low for an extended period, it can disrupt your body's metabolism, shifting it away from building muscle and towards storing fat. An increase in body fat and muscle mass is the result of this prolonged deficiency.
When oestrogen levels are elevated, in conjunction with low testosterone, it can contribute to the deposition of fat that is typically associated with the female body. In individuals with low testosterone levels, fat can accumulate more easily.
Can Testosterone Intake Aid In Fat Loss?
Scientific research has consistently shown that men suffering from low testosterone hormone levels can benefit from testosterone replacement therapy, as it has been proven to both help reduce body fat and increase muscle mass.
In a 2016 randomized control trial, 100 obese men on a reduced-calorie diet were divided into two groups. The group receiving testosterone injections experienced an average weight loss of 6.4 pounds, while the group did not show the same level of weight loss.
Although the intervention group and the control group experienced decreased muscle mass due to reduced caloric intake, the intervention group recovered their lost muscle mass faster than the control group during the maintenance periods.
What Are Some Ways To Increase Testosterone Levels?
Instead of depending on artificial supplements, it's more effective to adopt a holistic approach to enhance your testosterone levels. Here are some natural methods to boost your testosterone levels:
A Balanced Diet
Including a variety of fresh vegetables, fruits, and natural antioxidants in your diet can effectively stimulate testosterone secretion and help maintain hormonal balance, making a balanced diet crucial for addressing metabolic derangements and promoting overall health.
Maintaining the right balance of macronutrients in your diet has been shown to have multiple benefits, including promoting fat loss and supporting the production of testosterone in the body.
Exercise
A 12-month-long randomized controlled trial found that following a consistent aerobic exercise routine can increase testosterone production. This not only improves metabolic rate and promotes weight loss, but also enhances health.
Avoid Stress
Prolonged exposure to mental stress can hinder the production of testosterone in the body by increasing levels of cortisol, a steroidal hormone. This hormonal imbalance caused by stress can negatively affect various aspects of health.
When faced with stress, the body places a higher emphasis on producing cortisol than testosterone, decreasing testosterone levels.
By reducing stress levels, your body can redirect its energy towards producing testosterone rather than cortisol, supporting weight loss efforts.
A Good Night’s Sleep
Adequate sleep enhances immune function and cardiovascular health and maintains testosterone levels. Research indicates that individuals who consistently sleep for 7-8 hours experience higher testosterone synthesis, while those who sleep for shorter durations may have lower testosterone levels.
Consult A Doctor
If you suspect that your testosterone levels may be low, it is advisable to discuss the possibility of undergoing TRT with a healthcare professional. Several methods can be used to administer TRT, such as pills, injections, or transdermal patches. The doctor should be able to provide you with the necessary prescriptions for testosterone replacement therapy.
Conclusion
Maintaining optimal testosterone levels is crucial for overall health as it regulates metabolism and promotes muscle growth. A decline in testosterone levels can increase body fat, making weight loss efforts more challenging. Restoring testosterone levels through TRT or other natural methods can effectively support weight loss goals.
Medical advice should be sought before initiating any new diet, exercise routine, or modification to your lifestyle.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4154787/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37886642/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38269251/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12198740/
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