You’re likely already familiar with testosterone on some level, the primary male sex hormone. In men, testosterone is produced in the testes, while women’s bodies also produce much lower levels of testosterone in the adrenal gland. 

While you may know about testosterone’s effects on male sexual development and libido, you might not know that it also plays a role in weight gain and loss. In particular, low testosterone in men can lead to weight gain, among other negative effects. 

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at this relationship between testosterone and weight, and how you may be able to use testosterone to lose weight. Trying to lose weight? Let the experts at Premier Solutions & Weight Loss help.

What Is Low Testosterone, and How Does It Contribute to Weight Gain? 

In a healthy adult male, testosterone levels will typically be between 350 and 1,000 nanograms per deciliter of blood. Low testosterone symptoms typically start below 350 nanograms per deciliter, but can occur at higher levels as well. 

Signs of low testosterone include:

  • Decreased sex drive
  • Lethargy and feelings of laziness
  • Unstable mood
  • Difficulty focusing or concentrating
  • Increased fat gain, in particular around the abdomen
  • Decrease in muscle mass
  • Reduced strength 

Of course, experiencing these symptoms is not always indicative of low testosterone levels. If you’re concerned, consider getting your levels checked. 

How Hormone Replacement Therapy Can Help Men Lose Weight

As we saw above, one of the side effects of low testosterone is increased weight gain, particularly around the abdomen. Worse, low testosterone can create a vicious cycle: as your weight increases, your testosterone decreases further, thereby leading to even more weight loss. By replacing this lost testosterone via hormone replacement therapy (HRT), you can counteract this weight loss and break the cycle. 

In men with low testosterone, HRT combined with moderate exercise can produce significant weight loss, while potentially increasing muscle mass as well. This process will normalize and stabilize your metabolism over time, helping you burn more calories, lose weight, and counteract other symptoms of low testosterone as well. 

Achieve Your Weight Loss Goals With HRT

HRT for men can not only help you lose weight, it can improve your overall well being and relieve symptoms of low testosterone like moodiness and fatigue. If you’re interested in a  free testosterone test and consultation, contact us today.