Hypogonadism and Obesity

Hypogonadism means the body produces too little of the sex hormone testosterone, and it is common in men who carry excess weight. Obesity can lower testosterone, and low testosterone in turn promotes more fat gain, creating a two-way relationship. Losing weight often improves hormone levels.

Obesity is associated with male hypogonadism through several mechanisms, including conversion of testosterone to oestradiol in adipose tissue, suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and reduced sex hormone-binding globulin. The relationship is bidirectional: obesity-related hypogonadism may improve with weight loss, while testosterone deficiency can worsen metabolic risk.

Men with fatigue, low libido or reduced muscle mass alongside obesity should be assessed for hypogonadism. Dr Joseph Wang can arrange testing and guide weight loss, which is often the first-line treatment before hormone therapy is considered.