Reviewed by Dr. Kenton Bruice, MD
Reading time: five minutes
Weight loss is often pursued to improve health, confidence, and overall quality of life.
For individuals struggling with excess weight, medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide are helping to achieve significant weight loss. But an often-overlooked benefit of losing weight is its effect on testosterone levels.
If you’re wondering, “Does losing weight increase testosterone?” — the answer is promising.
In this blog, we will explore how weight loss can impact testosterone, the signs of low testosterone, and how testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can help restore balance.
Table of Contents
The Purpose of Testosterone in Men
Testosterone is a vital sex hormone in men that plays a key role in several important functions, including:
- Sexual function: Maintaining libido, erectile function, and healthy sperm production.
- Muscle mass: Building and preserving lean body mass.
- Bone mass: Strengthening bones and lowering the risk of fractures.
- Mood and energy: Supporting mental well-being, stamina, and overall vitality.
Signs of Low Testosterone
Recognizing the signs early can help you take proactive steps to address hormone imbalances and improve your quality of life.
Some common symptoms of low testosterone include:
- Decreased sex drive and libido
- Difficulty with erectile function
- Loss of muscle mass and strength
- Increase in body fat, particularly around the waist
- Fatigue and low energy
- Changes in mood (depression, irritability)
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, a simple blood test can measure your testosterone levels. For men, normal levels typically range between 300-1,000 ng/dL.
Did you know? Testosterone levels peak during a man’s early twenties and naturally decline by about 1% per year after age 30. |
The Link Between Weight Loss and Testosterone
Excess weight, particularly around the abdomen (waist circumference), is linked to low testosterone levels.
This is because fat cells contain an enzyme called aromatase, which converts testosterone into estrogen. As testosterone gets converted, testosterone concentrations drop.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that obese men who lost weight experienced significant improvements in their testosterone levels, especially when weight loss was achieved through a combination of diet, moderate exercise, and lifestyle changes.
The study highlights how reducing body fat can restore normal testosterone levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and support overall quality of life.
Medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide can help with body weight loss, particularly for individuals who are obese (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with weight-related conditions such as high blood pressure, insulin resistance, or risk of heart attack.
How to Improve Testosterone Levels
If you’re dealing with low testosterone, there are several natural ways to help support and improve your hormone levels.
Before considering medical interventions, focusing on healthy habits can make a significant difference.
Here are some key lifestyle modifications that can positively impact testosterone production and overall well-being.
Lifestyle Modifications
- Exercise Regularly
- Strength training and aerobic exercise can boost testosterone production and reduce body fat.
- Healthy Diet
- Focus on lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole foods.
- Limit processed foods and sugars to prevent weight gain and insulin resistance.
- Reduce Stress
- High cortisol levels (stress hormone) can decrease testosterone.
- Practices like meditation and deep breathing help.
- Get Quality Sleep
- Aim for 7–8 hours of restful sleep to support hormone production.
What if Weight Loss Doesn’t Restore Testosterone?
When weight loss and lifestyle changes aren’t enough to restore testosterone levels, hormone replacement therapy may be needed.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can help you regain vitality, improve physical health, and improve overall quality of life.
What to Expect During a Consultation with Dr. Bruice
At your consultation, Dr. Bruice will begin by reviewing your health history and discussing the symptoms you’re experiencing.
To get a complete picture of your hormone levels, he will order a comprehensive blood test. This panel typically includes:
- Total and free testosterone
- DHEA
- PSA (prostate health)
- TSH (thyroid function)
- Estradiol
- Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
- CBC (hematocrit)
- Human growth hormone
Testosterone Replacement Options
Dr. Bruice offers several forms of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to help restore normal hormone levels and alleviate symptoms of testosterone deficiency.
Based on your lab results and preferences, you can discuss the following options:
- Self-administered testosterone injections
- Injections are given into the muscle of the thigh or buttocks.
- Typically administered once weekly to maintain even testosterone levels.
- Small, crystalline pellets (about the size of a Tic Tac) are inserted just beneath the skin in the hip area.
- The pellets provide a steady release of testosterone over 3 to 6 months, helping avoid the spikes and drops associated with injections or creams.
- Many patients find this method more convenient and effective for maintaining balanced hormone levels.
Follow-Up and Ongoing Care
Approximately two months after starting testosterone therapy, you’ll have a follow-up appointment to assess your progress.
During this visit, your symptoms will be reviewed, and another round of blood work will be done to evaluate how your body is absorbing the hormones.
Prescriptions are fine-tuned based on how you feel and your lab results. After this initial follow-up, you will typically only need to schedule visits once a year or as needed.
Between appointments, Dr. Bruice remains available to his patients via email free of charge to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your treatment.
Take the Next Step Toward Balanced Testosterone Levels
Losing weight can indeed help boost testosterone levels, improving your energy, mood, and overall well-being.
But if weight loss and lifestyle changes aren’t enough, testosterone replacement therapy can provide the support you need to feel like yourself again.
At the Denver Hormone Institute of Colorado and the St. Louis Hormone Institute of Missouri, Dr. Bruice offers personalized care to help you achieve optimal hormone balance and reclaim your vitality.