Obesity Associated with Low Testosterone Levels in Men

We are all very aware of the adverse effects excess body weight can have on our health.  In fact, obesity has been linked to numerous chronic health conditions.  New research reports that obesity also appears to be associated with hormonal changes in men.

In this new study, researchers examined the levels of testosterone in almost 1,900 men over 45 years of age.  The men were categorized as diabetic or non-diabetic and as lean, overweight, and obese.  The results of this analysis showed that:

• Testosterone levels were lower in diabetic men compared to non-diabetic men.
• Testosterone levels decreased with greater age and higher body mass index levels.
• 40% of obese non-diabetic men had subnormal testosterone levels compared to only 26% of lean men and 29% of overweight men.
• 50% of obese men with diabetes had subnormal testosterone levels.
• Low testosterone levels were also common (about 44%) in lean and overweight mean with diabetes.

These new research results confirm earlier findings that linked diabetes with low testosterone levels in men; however, this study also indicates that higher levels of body fat might be associated with decreasing levels of testosterone.  While this is not the first study to report this possible link between obesity and testosterone levels, it appears to be one of the largest, adding importance to the findings.  Testosterone is involved in many metabolic functions and is important for reproductive function, fitness, and overall health and well-being.  While testosterone will normally decline as men age, it now appears possible that excess weight gain might speed up the decline in testosterone.  This is yet another reason to maintain a healthy body weight throughout life.

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