Can Boosting Your Testosterone Help You Lose Fat?

23/11/2019 Can Boosting Your Testosterone Help You Lose Fat?
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NUTRITION u Evidence Based
Can Boosting Your Testosterone Help

You Lose Fat?
Written by Atli Arnarson, PhD on July 18, 2017
Some men believe that testosterone may assist in fat loss.
This hormone is responsible for some of the typical male characteristics. It

also promotes muscle growth in both genders.
Most men are full of testosterone. However, a few suffer from a

deficiency, a problem that seems to predispose them to excessive fat
gain.
This article discusses the potential role of this hormone in weight loss and
obesity.
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What Is Testosterone?
Testosterone is the most important male sex hormone. It is mainly
produced by the testicles in men and ovaries in women.

Hormones are messenger molecules that play a vital role in all body
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systems. They are released into the bloodstream, which carries them to
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/testosterone-and-fat-loss 1/13
their target cells.
When hormones come in contact with compatible cells, they bind to

receptors on their surface and affect their function.
Testosterone’s main role is to promote male characteristics like a deeper

voice, increased muscle mass, stronger bones and facial and body hair
growth.
Adequate levels are also essential for the maturation of sperm cells and
the maintenance of male fertility.
Unsurprisingly, testosterone levels are much higher in men than in

women. Yet the hormone plays several vital roles in women, too (1  ).
One of its most important functions in both genders is to maintain muscle

mass and promote muscle growth and bone strength. Your levels decline
with age, partly explaining age-related muscle and bone loss.
Not only does deficiency suppress muscle growth and maintenance, but it
may also promote weight gain.
SUMMARY:
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone. It promotes
muscle growth as well as other typical male characteristics, such
as a deep voice and body hair growth.
Deficiency May Lead to Weight Gain

Testosterone promotes muscle growth. At the same time, it may suppress
fat gain (2  , 3  , 4  ).
As a result, some testosterone-deficient men tend to gain fat more easily

than their healthy peers (5  , 6  ).
Muscles burn far more calories than fat tissue. Lack of muscle thus puts
people at a higher risk of eating too much and storing the excess calories

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as fat (7  ).
In fact, some researchers believe that reduced muscle mass is the primary
reason deficiency leads to weight gain in men (8  ).
Obesity itself may also suppress testosterone levels, as explained in the

next chapter.
SUMMARY:
Low testosterone levels reduce muscle mass and calorie
expenditure. For this reason, deficiency may promote weight
gain over time.
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Obesity Is Linked With Low Levels

On average, obese men have 30% lower testosterone levels than those
who are normal-weight (9  ).
More than 70% of morbidly obese men suffer from male hypogonadism,
or testosterone deficiency, a disorder characterized by abnormally low
levels of this hormone. Male hypogonadism may reverse with weight loss
(10  ).
Scientists are not entirely sure why levels are lower in obese men, but
most studies point toward the following processes.
First, belly fat contains high levels of the enzyme aromatase, which

converts testosterone
A D V E R T I Sinto
E M E N Testrogen, the female sex hormone. This
explains why obese men have higher estrogen levels than normal-weight
men (11  ).
Second, high aromatase and estrogen activity reduces the production of

gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GRH). Lack of GRH leads to lower
levels of luteinizing hormone, which in turn reduces the production of
testosterone (12  , 13  ).
Put simply, excessive belly fat appears to suppress testosterone levels.
SUMMARY:
Obese men tend to have lower levels of this hormone than
normal-weight men. Most research suggests that excessive belly
fat reduces these levels.
Do Supplements Cause Weight Loss?

The term “testosterone supplement” can refer to three things: illicit
anabolic steroids, testosterone replacement therapy and testosterone
boosters.
Illicit Anabolic Steroids
Synthetic steroids related to testosterone are collectively known as

anabolic steroids. The term may also refer to testosterone itself.
Some bodybuilders misuse anabolic steroids to increase testosterone

beyond normal levels and boost muscle growth. Yet abusing anabolic
steroids is illegal in many countries, including the US (14  ).
Healthy men with normal testosterone levels should not take anabolic
steroids in any form, since long-term misuse can cause adverse side
effects. These include sexual dysfunction, aggressive behavior, liver
problems and heart disease (15  , 16  , 17  ).

Some researchers
A D Vhave
E R T I S E Mpointed
ENT out that not all of these side effects apply
to testosterone itself but rather to its synthetic derivatives. In fact,
testosterone plays a valid role in the treatment of some medical

conditions (18  ).
For instance, it is legally prescribed to normalize testosterone levels in

deficient men, a treatment known as testosterone replacement therapy
(19  ).
While valid testosterone replacement therapy may promote weight loss in

obese men, anabolic steroid misuse is not a recommended weight loss
strategy.
Excessive muscle mass may be difficult to maintain in the long term and
unused muscles tend to turn into fat over time.
SUMMARY:
Some bodybuilders misuse testosterone or related synthetic
forms. Long-term misuse may lead to serious health problems.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
This hormone is often legally prescribed to treat testosterone deficiency

(hypogonadism) or other medical conditions.
The treatment is known as testosterone replacement therapy and is

performed under medical supervision. It can be administered as a
supplement, skin patch, cream or injection.
There is some evidence that replacement therapy can lead to weight loss
in obese patients with testosterone deficiency (20  , 21  , 22  , 23  ).
One 56-week study in 100 obese men on a reduced-calorie diet found

that injections improved weight loss by 6.4 pounds (2.9 kg) compared to
those who didn’t receive any treatment.
While both groups lost muscle mass as well as fat mass on a low-calorie
diet, testosterone caused significant muscle regain during the weight
maintenance period (24  ). 
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It leads to weight loss by promoting muscle growth, which in turn

increases the number of calories burned.
It may also reduce fatigue, enhance motivation and promote greater

physical activity. All of these factors play a major role in weight loss (8  ,
25  ).
Keep in mind that these studies examined the effects of replacement

therapy in deficient men under medical supervision.
There is no evidence that replacement therapy causes weight loss in

healthy men with normal testosterone levels.
SUMMARY:
Testosterone replacement therapy promotes weight loss in
obese, testosterone-deficient men.
Testosterone Boosters
Also known as “natural testosterone supplements,” testosterone boosters

increase the natural production of this hormone within your body.
These supplements do not contain any testosterone and are usually

plant-based.
Some boosters, such as ashwagandha, D-aspartic acid and fenugreek

seed extract, may raise testosterone levels and improve muscle growth in
men who have low levels, although the evidence is inconsistent (26  ,
27  , 28  ).
However, many of the health claims associated with boosters are not
supported by science. For instance, Tribulus terrestris, a supplement
commonly sold as a booster, does not appear to raise levels (29  ).
Currently, no studies have shown significant weight loss with testosterone

boosters, although some tend to reduce fat mass.

ADVERTISEMENT
SUMMARY:
Testosterone boosters enhance the natural production of

testosterone within the body. Studies suggest that certain
boosters may benefit men who are deficient.
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How Can You Increase Your Levels Naturally?

The main symptoms of testosterone deficiency include low libido,
difficulty maintaining or developing an erection and less intense orgasms.
Other symptoms include fatigue, low mood and reduced muscle mass.
If you suspect you have low levels, a simple blood test can confirm
deficiency.
Replacement therapy is the most effective treatment. However, it is

controversial and has risks as well as benefits (30  , 31  , 32  , 33  ).
Fortunately, there are several ways you can naturally improve low
testosterone levels.
A few methods are listed below:
Strength train: Many studies show that strength training can

increase your levels of this hormone (34  , 35  ).
Take vitamin D supplements: Vitamin D deficiency is associated

with low levels. Supplements can bring levels back to normal (36  ,
37  ). ADVERTISEMENT

Get adequate zinc: Deficiency in zinc may reduce levels. Eat plenty
of zinc-rich foods, such as meat, nuts and seeds, to normalize your
levels (38  , 39  ).
Get enough sleep: Poor sleep is associated with a drop in levels. In

fact, getting enough sleep is one of the most important aspects of a
healthy lifestyle (40  , 41  ).
Try ashwagandha: The medicinal herb ashwagandha, known

scientifically as Withania somnifera, may improve levels and fertility
(26  ).
Relax and minimize stress: Chronic stress raises the levels of

cortisol, a hormone that may suppress testosterone levels. A stress-
free environment and relaxing pastime activities are a cornerstone
of a healthy lifestyle (42  ).
In addition to raising your testosterone levels, the above strategies can

improve your general health. Some may even help you lose weight,
especially when combined with other weight loss methods.
SUMMARY:
Several strategies can improve the natural production of
testosterone in the body and promote weight loss.
The Bottom Line

Adequate testosterone levels are a sign of good health.
Testosterone helps maintain muscle mass, increase the number of

calories you burn and may keep you motivated to stay physically active —
all of which are associated with a lower risk of weight gain and obesity.
If you suspect you may be deficient, consult your doctor for a simple
blood test.
Your doctor can prescribe a testosterone replacement therapy, which is


the most effective
A D Vway
E R T I S Eto normalize
MEN T your levels.
You can also try raising your levels naturally by losing belly fat, strength
training, getting enough sleep or taking testosterone boosters like
ashwagandha.
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23/11/2019 Can Boosting Your Testosterone Help You Lose Fat?

NUTRITION u Evidence Based

Can Boosting Your Testosterone Help

Some men believe that testosterone may assist in fat loss.

This hormone is responsible for some of the typical male characteristics. It

Most men are full of testosterone. However, a few suffer from a

their target cells.

When hormones come in contact with compatible cells, they bind to

Testosterone’s main role is to promote male characteristics like a deeper

Unsurprisingly, testosterone levels are much higher in men than in

One of its most important functions in both genders is to maintain muscle

Deficiency May Lead to Weight Gain

As a result, some testosterone-deficient men tend to gain fat more easily

Obesity itself may also suppress testosterone levels, as explained in the

Obesity Is Linked With Low Levels

Second, high aromatase and estrogen activity reduces the production of

Put simply, excessive belly fat appears to suppress testosterone levels.

Do Supplements Cause Weight Loss?

Illicit Anabolic Steroids

Synthetic steroids related to testosterone are collectively known as

Some bodybuilders misuse anabolic steroids to increase testosterone

testosterone plays a valid role in the treatment of some medical

For instance, it is legally prescribed to normalize testosterone levels in

While valid testosterone replacement therapy may promote weight loss in

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

This hormone is often legally prescribed to treat testosterone deficiency

The treatment is known as testosterone replacement therapy and is

One 56-week study in 100 obese men on a reduced-calorie diet found

It leads to weight loss by promoting muscle growth, which in turn

It may also reduce fatigue, enhance motivation and promote greater

Keep in mind that these studies examined the effects of replacement

There is no evidence that replacement therapy causes weight loss in

Also known as “natural testosterone supplements,” testosterone boosters

These supplements do not contain any testosterone and are usually

Some boosters, such as ashwagandha, D-aspartic acid and fenugreek

Currently, no studies have shown significant weight loss with testosterone

Testosterone boosters enhance the natural production of

How Can You Increase Your Levels Naturally?

Replacement therapy is the most effective treatment. However, it is

A few methods are listed below:

Strength train: Many studies show that strength training can

Take vitamin D supplements: Vitamin D deficiency is associated

Get enough sleep: Poor sleep is associated with a drop in levels. In

Try ashwagandha: The medicinal herb ashwagandha, known

Relax and minimize stress: Chronic stress raises the levels of

In addition to raising your testosterone levels, the above strategies can

The Bottom Line

Testosterone helps maintain muscle mass, increase the number of

Your doctor can prescribe a testosterone replacement therapy, which is

Get expert-approved tips for cutting back on sugar in 10

Enter your email

JOIN THE CHALLENGE

Your privacy is important to us

100K+ Subscribers 4.3  out of 5 NUTRITIONIST APPROVED

READ THIS NEXT

How Many Calories Are in a Hot Dog?

From baseball games to backyard barbecues, hot dogs are a classic

Is the Keto Diet Whoosh Effect a Real Thing?

Does the Ketogenic Diet Work for Weight

Can You Lose Weight Overnight?

Is “Starvation Mode” Real or Imaginary? A

Does Calorie Counting Work? A Critical Look

Counting your daily calorie intake is a common tactic if you're trying to