The Link Between Low Testosterone and Belly Fat

Written by: LowT Center Clinical Team

Medically reviewed by: Michael Seay, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC

Posted: Nov 6, 2014

Updated: Jul 18, 2024

Belly fat and low testosterone is a bit of a chicken-or-egg situation. Some studies suggest that low testosterone causes excess belly fat, while others claim that excess belly fat contributes to lower testosterone levels. Although the answer is not perfectly clear, there is an obvious link between the two.

Men’s Health reported that a study of 1,822 men by the New England Research Institute confirmed that a man’s waist size is the strongest predictor of low testosterone levels. Because testosterone is the hormone that we generally associate with large, strong, rippling muscles, the study’s conclusions make sense. Testosterone helps build muscle mass; therefore, low levels of testosterone causes you to lose muscle mass. When you lose muscle mass, fat more easily takes its place, giving your body a softer, rounder, more womanly shape.

Adequate levels of testosterone can offset the loss of muscle mass. Even though low testosterone is often a side effect of aging, it can happen at any point in a man’s life. Whether you’re 30, 40, or 90, testosterone is critical to the normal functioning of your body.

Along with excess belly fat, symptoms such as fatigue, depression, weakness, and hair loss can indicate lower-than-normal testosterone levels. If you have any of these symptoms, especially in combination, low testosterone is very probably the culprit.

The good news is low testosterone can be treated with injections, and the medical providers at Low T Center can quickly and easily determine if testosterone replacement therapy is right for you. You don’t have to live with disappearing abs or new pants. Make an appointment to get your numbers checked.

Medically reviewed by:
Micheal Seay, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC

Michael Seay is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) with over 16 years of clinical experience in emergency medicine, urgent care, gastroenterology, geriatric care, and hormone optimization therapy for men and women. He holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Platt College School of Nursing. He is certified in hormone pellet placement and weight loss therapies, with a clinical focus on individualized, patient-centered care.

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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.