Testosterone is a hormone that plays an essential role in developing male characteristics and regulating metabolism. It is responsible for muscle growth, fat distribution, and bone mass. It also affects sex drive, energy levels, and overall well-being. (1) Although optimal testosterone levels are vital for good health, many men wonder, does testosterone make you gain weight?
Testosterone is a male sex hormone produced in the testicles. It plays a role in a variety of bodily functions, including:
- Sex drive
- Sperm production
- Muscle growth
- Bone density
- Fat distribution
How Does Testosterone Affect Weight Gain?
Low testosterone levels lead to weight gain because testosterone plays a role in metabolism, fat distribution, muscle and energy. (2) When testosterone levels are low, energy levels dip, making working out more difficult.
"Testosterone replacement therapy demonstrates beneficial effects on measures of obesity that are partially explained by both direct metabolic actions on adipose and muscle and also potentially by increasing motivation, vigour and energy allowing obese individuals to engage in more active lifestyles."
Kelly DM, Jones TH. Testosterone and obesity. Obes Rev. 2015;16(7):581-606. doi:10.1111/obr.12282
Testosterone also affects fat distribution. Men with a testosterone deficiency tend to have more belly fat. This type of fat, known as visceral fat, is associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and other health problems. (3)
Here are some additional details about how testosterone affects weight gain:
- Testosterone helps to regulate metabolism. When testosterone levels are low, the body's metabolism slows down, making it more challenging to lose fat. (4)
- Testosterone helps to build muscle. Muscle tissue burns more calories at rest than fat tissue, so having more muscle can help you to burn more calories and lose weight even after your workout. (5)
- Testosterone helps to regulate appetite. When testosterone levels are low, some men may experience increased appetite, which can lead to weight gain. (6)
- ADD
How to Increase Your Testosterone Levels Naturally
There are several things that men can do to increase their testosterone levels, including:
- Exercise regularly
- Eat a healthy diet, avoid all processed foods and snacking between meals
- Get enough sleep
- Manage stress
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
How to Tell if You Have Low Testosterone Levels
Low testosterone is more common than most people think, with about 40% of men who are 45 and older suffering. Some of them are not even aware of it. (7) The question is, how can you tell if you have low testosterone? There are a variety of symptoms that can help determine whether your levels are low. These include: (8)
Weight Gain: Increased fat, especially visceral fat, is one of the more common signs of low T. Commonly, men develop a spare tire, often called a hormone belly. The development of visceral fat is a double whammy; not only is it bad for your health, but it also knocks down testosterone levels. Optimal testosterone levels are vital for good health, and a lack of testosterone can make you gain weight.
Low sex drive: While most men chalk up a low sex drive to age, that may not tell the whole story. Since testosterone plays a role in libido, you can often lose interest in sex when testosterone levels drop.
Erectile dysfunction: Testosterone signals the brain to produce nitric oxide, which triggers chemical reactions to produce and maintain an erection. When you have low testosterone, it becomes difficult to get an erection, which can put a strain on your intimate relationship.
Hair loss: Thinning or loss of body hair can indicate low testosterone. While losing your hair can come with age, it's not usually the case with body hair.
Reduced muscle mass: Losing muscle even while continuing to work out is a common symptom of low testosterone and can be very frustrating.
Increase in body fat: When testosterone drops, men often notice their body composition changing, resulting in increased body fat and enlarged breast tissue.
Low energy: We all have days when we may not feel as energetic as we're used to. Still, when it's an ongoing problem, it could be a sign of low T. It is marked by the absence of enough energy to do the physical things we love and can include working out, socializing, traveling and even having sex.
Memory issues: Forgetting things can often be considered a part of getting older, but noticing more senior moments than you feel you should, could be a sign of plummeting testosterone levels. One of the things often reported after starting TRT is the lifting of the fog and the ability to remember things clearly.
Sleep problems: Sleep is vital to all areas of health, and when we don't get enough, we can feel it in everything we do. But one thing that's not commonly known is that sleep issues directly connect to testosterone levels. So you may not be sleeping due to low testosterone, but what's even worse is that lack of proper sleep also causes testosterone levels to drop, making it a no-win situation.
Can Testosterone Replacement Therapy Help in Managing Weight?
According to a study (9), testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may help men with low testosterone levels lose weight. Testosterone is a hormone that plays a role in many bodily functions, including metabolism, muscle building, and fat distribution. Low testosterone interferes with those functions, which increases body fat, especially around the abdomen.
TRT can help men with low testosterone levels lose weight by:
- Increasing muscle mass: Testosterone helps to build muscle, and having more muscle mass increases metabolism. This means that men with higher testosterone levels burn more calories at rest, which can help them with significant weight loss. This is why there is an initial weight gain, and men often gain weight starting testosterone replacement therapy.
- Reducing fat mass: Testosterone can help to reduce fat mass, especially around the abdomen. This is because testosterone helps to break down fat cells and convert them into energy.
- Increasing motivation and energy: Testosterone can also help to increase motivation and energy levels. This can make it easier for men to exercise and eat a healthy diet, which can help them drop excess weight.
It is important to note that while testosterone isn't a miracle cure for weight loss, it can help when used along with positive lifestyle factors that include:
- Eating a healthy diet: A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limiting your intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats is also essential.
- Exercising regularly: Exercise is an integral part of any weight loss plan. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
- Getting enough sleep: Sleep is vital for weight loss. When you don't get enough sleep, your body produces more of the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol can increase your appetite and make it harder to lose weight.
Conclusion - Does Testosterone Make You Gain Weight?
Weight gain can occur for several reasons, but since testosterone is vital for maintaining muscle, metabolism, and energy levels, low testosterone can be responsible for men's extra weight as they age. Because TRT initially helps you build lean muscle, some initial weight gain is possible. If you keep at it, eat well, and exercise, you will lose the extra fat and start to lose weight.
If you're struggling with symptoms of low T, testosterone replacement therapy may be able to help. At Male Excel, we look at your symptoms and use a simple blood test to show exactly what's going on and create a treatment plan to feel your best.
