Testosterone Replacement Helps You Lose More Weight

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According to the most recent CDC report, about 42% of the US adult population is considered obese [1]. Men with obesity are at a higher risk of developing chronic medical issues like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. A recent study presented at the European and International Congress on Obesity revealed that testosterone therapy has helped obese men with hypogonadism lose weight and maintain weight loss over time [2]. Although losing excess weight can help prevent the risk of developing serious health conditions like stroke, diabetes, and heart issues, if you have low testosterone, losing weight might feel like an uphill battle, even with regular workouts and a strict diet [3]. Checking your free and total testosterone levels is the first step to knowing whether your hormones contribute to weight gain. In such cases, initiating TRT may help rectify hormone deficiency and curb obesity. Read on to learn how Testosterone Replacement Therapy will facilitate weight loss while enhancing overall weight.

Will Low Testosterone Lead To Obesity?

Your body composition, that is the muscle and fat that make up your body, and testosterone levels are interrelated. In a frustrating paradox, as men gain additional body fat, they are more likely to have low testosterone, but as testosterone lowers, weight gain occurs more easily [5]. Men with healthy testosterone levels tend toward lean muscles and reduced body fat percentages, especially around the abdomen [4]. Low levels of testosterone often lead to obesity in men for several reasons:
  • Low Muscle Mass Muscles are designed to burn more calories than fat [6]. However, low testosterone may cause your body to lose muscle mass [7]. Additionally, low T may contribute to overeating, increasing your calorie intake and contributing to weight gain and obesity [8].
  • Higher Estrogen Level The aromatase enzyme that facilitates the conversion of testosterone into estrogen is found in fat cells and promotes the accumulation of body fat [9] [10]. If there is additional adipose cells (fat tissue) the rate of this conversion is increased.
  • Mood Swings Experiencing mood swings often is a sign of depression caused by low testosterone [11]. It can also trigger weight gain by stimulating overeating and lowering motivation for healthy habits like exercise [12].
  • Low Energy Levels Men with low testosterone levels often experience extreme fatigue [13]. To combat poor energy, people often turn to quick sources of energy, such as consuming high-fat and sugary foods loaded with calories, not to mention reduced ability to follow a regular workout routine.
Low testosterone levels and obesity are a vicious circle [14]. Low testosterone causes a surge in body fat, preventing your body from producing and using up the hormones effectively. This process further lowers your already low T levels. Once you set off this hamster wheel, breaking it is difficult without rectifying testosterone deficiency.

How Testosterone Replacement Therapy Helps Men Lose Weight

Testosterone Replacement Therapy can help men with obesity improving muscle mass, lower fat mass, improve mood, and increase motivation during workout sessions. Studies indicate that hormone therapy can promote healthy weight loss. With accurate diagnosis, customized treatment, and consistent monitoring, achieving a healthy life is possible.

How Testosterone Replacement Therapy Promotes Weight Loss in Men

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) involves supplementing your body with bioidentical testosterone through gels, pills, patches, or injections. A trained medical professional can help you determine which route is right for you. Testosterone Replacement Therapy helps you lose weight in the following ways:
  • It cuts down your body fat [15], especially the belly area, making it quicker to lose excess pounds
  • Kindles the growth of lean muscle mass by enhancing the resting metabolic rate of your body
  • It enhances your energy levels and keeps you motivated to ace your workout sessions [16]
  • Kickstarts your metabolic activity by improving the pace of conversion of nutrients into energy
  • It improves your mood and helps you to stick to a healthy lifestyle
Several studies reveal that sustained weight loss promoted by TRT is possible. A 2015 study conducted on over 400 men with obesity having low testosterone levels monitored the changes in body weight with TRT for up to 8 years. It showed that men doing testosterone injections lost an average of 40-60 or more pounds over an 8 year period, with significant weight loss seen every year [18].

Effect of Testosterone on Body Weight

Testosterone is an essential hormone that supports various physiological processes in your body and can influence your body composition and weight both directly or indirectly. Read on to learn how supplementing your body with this vital hormone can lower obesity in men:

1. Regulates Body Fat Distribution

Testosterone regulates body fat and its distribution and promotes muscle mass. Men who have healthy levels of testosterone through testosterone replacement therapy tend to acquire better muscle mass and have a lower percentage of body fat. Your muscle cells require energy for maintenance compared to fat cells, increasing your BMR or basal metabolic rate. This increased energy usage leads to burning excess calories when your body is at rest, fostering swifter weight loss.

2. Reduces the Risk of Developing Chronic Conditions

Testosterone is also pivotal in fat accumulation, mainly in and around your abdomen. Belly fat increases your risk of developing serious health issues like diabetes, stroke, and heart disease.

3. TRT and Appetite Control

Besides managing your physical composition and body’s metabolic rate, Testosterone Replacement Therapy manages your key hormones like leptin and ghrelin, which keep you feeling satiated or hungry. Testosterone controls your appetite to prevent you from experiencing excess hunger and binge eating. With testosterone therapy, you will better be able to continue a regular eating pattern and avoid overeating due to craving.

4. Promotes Insulin Sensitivity

Testosterone Replacement Therapy enhances insulin sensitivity to maintain healthy blood glucose levels. When you experience normal insulin sensitivity prevents the risk of developing insulin resistance caused by diabetes and obesity and avoids excess storage of body fat.

5. Optimizes Your Physical Performance

Men on Testosterone Replacement Therapy experience improvements increased muscle endurance and strength. TRT also facilitates quicker recovery after workouts, better enabling men to maintain a more intense and consistent training regime.

6. Uplifts Your Mood and Energy

When you experience low testosterone levels, it is natural to have mood swings, low motivation, and less energy, which can hinder your efforts trying to lose weight. Testosterone Replacement Therapy can help you enjoy better energy levels, enhanced mood, and stay motivated to ensure sustained weight loss in the long run.

Are Testosterone Injections An Effective Choice for Weight Loss?

According to a 2020 study, testosterone therapy is considered a comparable solution to weight loss surgeries [19]. The study assessed more than 11 years of compiled data on men who had obesity revealed that long-term Testosterone Replacement Therapy produced about 20% weight loss on average [20]. The study also showed that men who classified as obese and took TRT lowered their BMI by 9.5 kg/m² and on average while their waist circumference shrunk by 7 inches. With these marked improvements, the researchers concluded that Testosterone Replacement Therapy is an effective alternative to the most effective current weight loss treatments, weight loss surgeries.

Revibe Men’s Health: Get Personalized Solutions To Overcome Low Testosterone and Obesity

Are you are experiencing the symptoms of low testosterone? Get customized testosterone treatment options to overcome testosterone deficiency and its side effects. We are experts in diagnosing and creating personalized treatments for testosterone deficiency and weight loss treatments. Schedule an appointment with our low testosterone professionals today and discover the new you.

Reference Links:

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