Can Low Testosterone Cause Weight Gain?
Low testosterone is more than a drop in hormone levels. It can deeply affect mood, energy, sexual function, and, yes, weight changes. In this article, you’ll learn what testosterone is, why levels decline, and how that can lead to unwanted weight gain.
At Urology of Greater Atlanta, all our doctors are board-certified and experienced in diagnosing and treating low testosterone. Contact us today to schedule a simple blood test and get personalized guidance.
What is Testosterone?
Testosterone is known as a male sex hormone, though women produce it in smaller amounts. It plays key roles in developing muscle mass, regulating fat tissue distribution, enhancing sex drive, promoting body hair growth, and even influencing the tone of voice.
It’s a key hormone in both men and women, affecting energy levels and overall health. When someone has normal testosterone levels, everything tends to function in harmony.
What Causes Low Testosterone?
Many factors can cause low testosterone levels, including:
- Natural aging
- Chronic medical conditions like diabetes and obesity
- Certain medications or previous surgeries
- Hormonal disorders affecting how your body converts testosterone
What Are the Symptoms of Low Testosterone?
Low testosterone can be the cause of weight gain. Some other symptoms of testosterone deficiency include the following:
- Reduced muscle mass and strength
- Increase in belly fat or overall fat tissue
- Low energy and fatigue
- Sexual dysfunction, such as low sex drive or erectile problems
- Mood changes like depression or irritability
- Difficulty maintaining a normal weight
These symptoms often overlap with other health issues, so an accurate diagnosis is essential. Our doctors will perform a blood test to determine whether or not you have normal testosterone levels. If they are found to be low, testosterone therapy may be used to restore normal levels.
Why Can Low Testosterone Lead to Weight Gain?
As your testosterone production reaches lower-than-normal levels, it can create a vicious cycle in which you no longer feel motivated or energized to exercise.
Testosterone has been positively linked to creating active metabolic reactions. So, men are more prone to inactivity and weight gain without the balance it provides. This may be paired with a metabolic shift that slows your body’s ability to control glucose levels, regulate insulin production, and fight lipid build-up in the cardiovascular system.
Essentially, without testosterone, your body may struggle to produce the energy you need to stay active. If you become less active, you could put yourself at risk of becoming more prone to heart disease and worsening testosterone deficiencies. Over time, this can lead to your body losing lean muscle tissue and producing an excessive number of fat cells, particularly central adiposity (belly fat).
How is Low Testosterone Treated?
If your testosterone levels are low, options include:
- Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in forms like gels, injections, or patches
- Lifestyle changes to improve levels naturally
- Addressing underlying medical issues (e.g., obesity, diabetes)
At Urology of Greater Atlanta, board‑certified physicians evaluate each patient to determine if testosterone replacement therapy is appropriate. A simple blood test helps confirm if your levels fall below normal testosterone levels.
If so, testosterone treatment can help increase muscle mass, lower fat tissue, improve sexual function, boost energy, and support significant weight loss. Carefully monitored TRT can improve how you feel and function when paired with a healthy lifestyle.
How to Prevent Low Testosterone
Preventing deficiency involves multiple strategies:
- Eating a low-calorie diet if you’re overweight, to reduce fat mass
- Regular strength training to maintain muscle mass
- Get a good night’s sleep
- Reduce stress
- Minimize alcohol or drug use
- Managing chronic health problems like diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome
- Routine check‑ups with a doctor, especially if you experience any other symptoms or weight changes
By living well and monitoring your health, many men maintain normal testosterone levels well into later years.
Take Control of Low Testosterone and Start Feeling Better Today
Can low testosterone cause weight gain? As we discussed in this article, the answer is yes. If you think low T has caused changes in your weight, a simple blood test is the first step. At Urology of Greater Atlanta, our board-certified doctors are ready to guide you in testosterone therapy, testosterone treatment, or lifestyle adjustments that can make a real difference.
You don’t have to face low‑T symptoms alone. Reach out today for expert care in multiple Georgia locations. Contact us today to discuss whether testosterone replacement therapy might help you lose weight, boost energy, and reclaim your health.
