The Link Between Abdominal Obesity and Low Testosterone
Posted: August 5, 2015
As men approach their 40s, physiologically things begin to change. Energy levels dip. Sleep becomes tougher to get. It is easier to gain weight.
There are external factors that contribute to this — job and career stressors, increased family responsibilities, possibly some poor behavior patterns. But in reality, even if men are putting forth a committed effort, maintaining their muscle tone and physical appearance becomes harder and harder.
Beginning around age 30, men’s testosterone levels begin a steady decline, at the rate of about 1 percent per year. This culminates in what is sometimes termed andropause, defined as having a deficient level of androgen, in this case testosterone.
At the same time testosterone levels are declining, men begin to lose their lean muscle and put on weight as fat. Research now makes it abundantly clear that these two processes are related.
Excess belly fat is dangerous, as it can be a precursor to many chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, stroke, and certain forms of cancer. When excess fat accumulates in the abdomen, it slows metabolism, decreased energy, and affects mood — continuing the vicious cycle of inactivity that helps allow for fat accumulation in the first place.
No matter how much they exercise or how little they eat, men in this condition are unable to shed this excess abdominal weight. Published studies have shown that low testosterone and obesity reinforce each other, trapping men in a spiral of weight gain and hormonal imbalance.
Even though this relationship has been proven to exist, most physicians do not normally test their male patients’ testosterone levels. Fortunately there is help at Low T Center. We specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of low testosterone. By administering a simple blood test, we can determine if you are a candidate for treatment on your first visit.
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Disclaimer: This article is made available for general, entertainment and educational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Low T Center. You should always seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.