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Daily Mail
16-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
The unexpected Ozempic side effect that has men rushing to get their hands on weight-loss drug
A new study suggests that drugs like Ozempic may do more than lower blood sugar and aid in weight loss - they could also raise testosterone levels in men. Researchers from Saint Louis University Hospital found that men taking GLP-1 medications, including semaglutide (Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro), saw their testosterone levels increase by 24 per cent after 18 months of treatment. Testosterone is a vital hormone responsible for male sexual development, muscle mass, bone density, red blood cell production, and fat distribution. Low testosterone is common in men with obesity or Type 2 diabetes and is linked to fatigue, reduced libido, and decreased quality of life. The new findings suggest that GLP-1 drugs may also improve reproductive health in men affected by these conditions. Researchers say the results open the door for further investigation into how anti-obesity medications can impact hormone levels and overall well-being. Lead author Dr Shellsea Portillo Canales, an endocrinology fellow at SSM Health St Louis University Hospital said: 'While it is well known that weight loss from lifestyle changes or bariatric surgery increases testosterone levels, the impact that anti-obesity medications may also have on these levels has not been widely studied. 'Our study is among the first to provide compelling evidence that low testosterone can be reversed with the use of commonly prescribed anti-obesity medications.' The researchers analyzed existing medical records of 110 adult men with obesity or Type 2 diabetes. All of the participants were being treated with semaglutide (Ozempic or Wegovy), dulaglutide (Trulicity) or tirzepatide (Zepbound) for one and a half years. All three drugs are known to mimic the effects of GLP-1, a natural hormone in the body that regulates blood sugar and appetite, often leading to lower blood sugar and weight loss. None of the men were on testosterone or hormonal therapy before or during the experiment. Some risks of testosterone therapy include worsening sleep apnea, acne, enlarging the prostate or breasts, increasing the growth of prostate cancer, reducing sperm counts, causing the testicles to shrink and increasing the risk of clots, according to the Mayo Clinic. The researchers measured the participants' total and free testosterone levels before and during their treatment. Results showed that the participants experienced 10 per cent of weight loss and saw their testosterone levels rise from 53 per cent to 77 per cent. The scientists are yet to discover how GLP-1 drugs can increase testosterone. However, previous research has shown that excess fat can force the body to convert testosterone into estrogen, a female hormone. But when obese individuals start to lose weight, they reduce their body fat stores, which can improve insulin sensitivity in the body and reduce overall inflammation. Both decreased inflammation and weight loss can help the body produce more testosterone and prevent the conversion of the male hormone into estrogen. Talking about the preliminary results, Dr Portillo Canales said: 'Results from this study show that there is a direct correlation between the use of anti-obesity medications and testosterone levels. 'Doctors and their patients can now consider this class of medications not only for the treatment of obesity and to control blood sugar, but also to benefit men's reproductive health.' But despite clear results, the study authors noted that further research is needed to establish a clear link between the drugs and an increase in testosterone. However, seeing how beneficial the discovery is, Dr Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity medicine physician scientist at Massachusetts General Hospital who was not involved in the study, told NBC News: 'The findings from this study highlight an important intersection between metabolic health and hormonal balance. 'This dual benefit underscores the potential of these medications to enhance overall health outcomes, including reproductive health, in this population.' Average testosterone levels in men are between 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter. Testosterone tends to decline gradually with age, starting around the late 30s to early 40s. By the age of 75, the average male testosterone level drops to about 65 per cent of the average level seen in young adults, Dr Portillo Canales said. The findings were presented today at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society's meeting in San Francisco.
Health Line
16-07-2025
- Health
- Health Line
GLP-1 Drugs May Boost Testosterone Levels In Men With Obesity, Diabetes
New research shows that GLP-1 medications are associated with improved testosterone in males with obesity or type 2 diabetes. The findings align with prior evidence showing that weight loss can support healthy testosterone levels. Obesity and type 2 diabetes are recognized as comorbidities for low testosterone and sexual dysfunction. GLP-1 medications can help improve low testosterone in males with obesity or type 2 diabetes, new research suggests. Testosterone is a key hormone involved in functions ranging from sexual health to muscle development. While various factors influence testosterone levels, obesity and type 2 diabetes are both recognized risk factors for low testosterone. Researchers have already shown that weight loss improves testosterone levels through lifestyle modifications and treatments such as bariatric surgery. GLP-1 drugs, a class of obesity and diabetes medications that includes Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro, are known to produce significant weight loss. However, their effects on testosterone levels hadn't yet been studied. 'We found that men treated with GLP-1–based weight loss therapies, such as semaglutide, dulaglutide, and tirzepatide, experienced significant increases in both total and free testosterone levels,' said Shellsea Portillo Canales, MD, first author of the study and endocrinologist at SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital. 'These findings suggest that in men with obesity or type 2 diabetes, incretin-based therapy may help restore healthy testosterone levels, particularly when low testosterone is related to obesity,' she told Healthline. Portillo Canales presented her research on July 14 at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society's annual meeting in San Francisco, California. The study has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal. The findings are not surprising, but they help to answer an important, unanswered question about GLP-1 drugs and sexual health. 'This preliminary study fills a nice gap in the research in this area,' said David B. Sarwer, PhD, director of the Center for Obesity Research and Education, Temple University, and a spokesperson for the Obesity Society who wasn't involved in the research. 'It adds to a rapidly growing evidence base suggesting that these medications, in addition to promoting clinically significant weight loss, also have a wide range of secondary health benefits,' he said. Testosterone levels improved in most participants Portillo Canales and her team conducted a retrospective study of people with obesity and type 2 diabetes using electronic health records to investigate the effects of GLP-1 drugs on testosterone over an 18-month period. The study included 110 males, most of whom were white and in their mid-50s. Their average body mass index (BMI) was 35, meeting the threshold for clinical obesity, and 86 had type 2 diabetes. Subjects were excluded if they had received testosterone or other androgenic therapies. At baseline, just over half of the men had total testosterone levels above 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). According to the American Urological Association, any value below this threshold indicates low testosterone. After 18 months on GLP-1 receptor agonists, the proportion of men with healthy testosterone rose to 77%. The average participant lost about 26 pounds, decreasing from 255 to 229 pounds or approximately 10% of their body weight. Concurrently, total testosterone increased by about 18% (from 322 to 380 ng/dL), while free testosterone rose by 17%. 'This tracks with what we would expect based on how weight loss affects testosterone concentrations,' said Beverly Tchang, MD, an endocrinologist and obesity medicine specialist at Weill Cornell Medicine. Tchang wasn't involved in the study. Studies consistently demonstrate that reductions in body weight correlate with increases in testosterone among men, particularly those with obesity. Other interventions that produce substantial weight loss — such as bariatric surgery — have likewise been associated with improved testosterone levels and overall hormonal balance. While there is no evidence that GLP-1 medications stimulate testosterone production directly, the increase in testosterone driven by their weight-loss effects appears comparable to that of other weight loss strategies. What is low-T (male hypogonadism)? Low testosterone (low-T) in males occurs when the testicles do not produce enough testosterone. Signs of low testosterone in men include: low sex drive (libido) decreased muscle mass erectile dysfunction lethargy/low energy increased body fat The most serious form of low-T is known as pathologic hypogonadism, and indicates a persistent reduction in testosterone levels caused by an irreversible condition. However, in many cases, testosterone levels can be corrected through both lifestyle and medical interventions. Obesity-related low testosterone is one such case. 'We know obesity is associated with 'pseudo' hypogonadism — not pathological. Obesity, due to excess adiposity, can affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. In essence, brain centers are lowering testosterone in obesity,' said Sun Kim, MD, an associate professor of Endocrinology at Stanford Medicine who wasn't involved in the research. In fact, obesity and low testosterone can create a sort of positive feedback loop: obesity lowers testosterone, which in turn can lead to less muscle mass, which can lead to further weight gain. 'Muscle mass is one of our biggest drivers of our metabolism. So, when you have low testosterone and you have this reduced ability to build muscle, then that slower metabolism predisposes you to more weight gain,' said Tchang. In addition to being a powerful agent for weight loss, GLP-1 drugs also have meaningful downstream effects on testosterone. Kim suggested that, given these effects, people with obesity who are considering hormone replacement therapy for low-T should first consider weight loss. 'Men with obesity with low testosterone (not due to other causes) should prioritize weight loss to increase testosterone versus taking exogenous testosterone,' she said. Can GLP-1 drugs help improve sexual health? While the findings are preliminary, experts are excited by the possibility of the role that GLP-1 medications could play in improving sexual health. 'Anecdotally, we've heard of some people coming back, men specifically, saying that GLP-1s have helped their libido and sexual performance,' Tchang said. 'If these drugs have an added benefit on the testosterone side, along with healthier blood vessels or more blood flow, then we're looking at a medication that's really starting to become a sexual health aid as well.' Sarwer told Healthline that this latest study adds evidence of yet another health benefit from GLP-1 drugs. 'Over the past several years, we have seen a great deal of enthusiasm about the use of incretin therapies to promote weight loss much larger than those seen with caloric restriction and increased physical activity,' he said. 'This weight loss has downstream effects on a range of important health issues. This study suggests that we may soon be able to confidently add increased testosterone to that list.'
Daily Mail
14-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
The unexpected Ozempic side effect that has men rushing to get their hands on it
A new study suggests that drugs like Ozempic may do more than lower blood sugar and aid weight loss, they could also raise testosterone levels in men. Researchers from S. Louis University Hospital found that men taking GLP-1 medications, including semaglutide (Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro), saw their testosterone levels increase by 24 percent after 18 months of treatment. Testosterone is a vital hormone responsible for male sexual development, muscle mass, bone density, red blood cell production, and fat distribution. Low testosterone is common in men with obesity or Type 2 diabetes and is linked to fatigue, reduced libido, and decreased quality of life. The new findings suggest that GLP-1 drugs may also improve reproductive health in men affected by these conditions. Researchers say the results open the door for further investigation into how anti-obesity medications can impact hormone levels and overall well-being. Lead author Dr Shellsea Portillo Canales, an endocrinology fellow at SSM Health St Louis University Hospital said: 'While it is well known that weight loss from lifestyle changes or bariatric surgery increases testosterone levels, the impact that anti-obesity medications may also have on these levels has not been widely studied.' 'Our study is among the first to provide compelling evidence that low testosterone can be reversed with the use of commonly prescribed anti-obesity medications.' The researchers analyzed existing medical records of 110 adult men with obesity or Type 2 diabetes. All of the participants were being treated with semaglutide (Ozempic or Wegovy), dulaglutide (Trulicity) or tirzepatide (Zepbound) for one and a half years. All three drugs are known to mimic the effects of GLP-1, a natural hormone in the body that regulates blood sugar and appetite, often leading to lower blood sugar and weight loss. None of the men were on testosterone or hormonal therapy before or during the experiment. Some risks of testosterone therapy include worsening sleep apnea, acne, enlarging the prostate or breasts, increasing the growth of prostate cancer, reducing sperm counts, causing the testicles to shrink and increasing the risk of clots, according to the Mayo Clinic. The researchers measured the participants' total and free testosterone levels before and during their treatment. Results showed that the participants experienced 10 percent of weight loss and saw their testosterone levels rise from 53 percent to 77 percent. The scientists are yet to discover how GLP-1 drugs can increase testosterone. However, previous research has shown that excess fat can force the body to convert testosterone into estrogen, a female hormone. But when obese individuals start to lose weight, they reduce their body fat stores, which can improve insulin sensitivity in the body and reduce overall inflammation. Both decreased inflammation and weight loss can help the body produce more testosterone and prevent the conversion of the male hormone into estrogen. Talking about the preliminary results, Dr Portillo Canales said: 'Results from this study show that there is a direct correlation between the use of anti-obesity medications and testosterone levels. 'Doctors and their patients can now consider this class of medications not only for the treatment of obesity and to control blood sugar, but also to benefit men's reproductive health.' But despite clear results, the study authors noted that further research is needed to establish a clear link between the drugs and an increase in testosterone. However, seeing how beneficial the discovery is, Dr Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity medicine physician scientist at Massachusetts General Hospital who was not involved in the study, told NBC News: 'The findings from this study highlight an important intersection between metabolic health and hormonal balance. 'This dual benefit underscores the potential of these medications to enhance overall health outcomes, including reproductive health, in this population.' Average testosterone levels in men are between 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter. Testosterone tends to decline gradually with age, starting around the late 30s to early 40s. By the age of 75, the average male testosterone level drops to about 65 percent of the average level seen in young adults, Dr Portillo Canales said. The findings were presented today at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society's meeting in San Francisco.
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Weight loss drugs can boost testosterone in men, study finds
Popular weight loss medications like Ozempic can help reverse low testosterone levels in men with obesity or Type 2 diabetes, according to new research. Building on previous studies that show weight loss surgery or lifestyle changes can increase testosterone levels in the body, researchers at SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital analyzed the electronic health records of 110 men with obesity or Type 2 diabetes to monitor changes in the hormone while taking GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semgalutide and tirzepatide. They measured testosterone levels before taking the medications and for 18 months after starting the treatment. Roughly half of the men had low to low-normal testosterone at the start of the study and most reached normal levels after treatment. The mean age of the participants was 54. 'The increases we observed were more modest than what you would typically see with testosterone replacement therapy,' said lead author Dr. Shellsea Portillo Canales, endocrinologist at SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital, via email. 'However, they occurred naturally, without testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), and likely reflect the body recovering its normal hormone production as weight and insulin resistance improved.' The study highlights the need for men already on testosterone therapies to closely monitor their levels after starting weight loss medications, Portillo said. In some cases, men may need to have their testosterone supplement doses lowered or discontinued, especially if their testosterone normalizes while on weight loss medications. There are limitations to the new study. The findings don't prove the increase in testosterone levels was caused by the drugs semaglutide or tirzepatide. It was a retrospective study, meaning the researchers analyzed existing medical records over time, rather than conducting a randomized clinical trial. And they didn't check testosterone levels after the men stopped the drugs. 'If weight is regained, testosterone levels could potentially drop again,' Portillo said. The study findings were presented this Monday at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society's annual meeting in San Francisco. The researchers are planning to submit it to a medical journal for peer review. Dr. Susan Spratt, professor of medicine at Duke University School of Medicine, said many men are overtreated with testosterone therapy when they have levels on the lower normal side. 'It would be better to treat obesity or diabetes and naturally increase testosterone than to prescribe testosterone — which has known risks,' said Spratt, who was not part of the study. Some risks of testosterone therapy include worsening sleep apnea, acne, enlarging the prostate or breasts, increasing growth of prostate cancer, reducing sperm counts, causing the testicles to shrink and increasing the risk of clots, according to Mayo Clinic. The study shows the dual benefit of weight loss medications in men, said Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, obesity medicine physician scientist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. 'The findings from this study highlight an important intersection between metabolic health and hormonal balance,' Stanford said. 'This dual benefit underscores the potential of these medications to enhance overall health outcomes, including reproductive health, in this population.' Normal testosterone levels are between 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter. Testosterone tends to decline gradually with age, starting around the late 30s to early 40s. By age 75, the average male testosterone level drops to about 65% of the average level seen in young adults, Portillo said. 'Improving testosterone can enhance quality of life and possibly reduce health risks associated with low levels,' Portillo said. Spratt said it's important to distinguish between normal testosterone levels that increase but remain in the normal range, versus low testosterone levels that increase to normal. Testosterone levels that are truly low are most concerning because low testosterone can lower bone density (which increases the risk of fracture), reduce muscle mass, lower hemoglobin (red blood cells) levels and decrease libido, experts say. 'However, treating low normal testosterone without a known cause is controversial and has increased in the past decade likely due to direct-to-consumer marketing,' Spratt said. The researchers only included men in the study, because they didn't expect weight loss drugs to raise testosterone levels in women. 'In general, we don't routinely measure testosterone in women, unless there are signs of a hormonal imbalance, like excess facial hair (hirsutism), irregular periods, infertility or signs of masculinization,' Portillo said. In those cases, testosterone testing can help diagnose conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, adrenal disorders or rare tumors. Some studies in women with PCOS, a condition which raises testosterone levels, suggest GLP-1 therapies may help slightly lower testosterone by improving metabolism and reducing insulin resistance. Certain conditions are well known to decrease testosterone in men, including excess fat, especially around the abdomen, which interferes with hormone signals from the brain to the testicle, experts say. 'Fortunately, weight loss, whether through lifestyle changes or medications, can reverse it in many cases,' Portillo said. This article was originally published on
NBC News
14-07-2025
- Health
- NBC News
Weight loss drugs can boost testosterone in men, study finds
Popular weight loss medications like Ozempic can help reverse low testosterone levels in men with obesity or Type 2 diabetes, according to new research. Building on previous studies that show weight loss surgery or lifestyle changes can increase testosterone levels in the body, researchers at SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital analyzed the electronic health records of 110 men with obesity or Type 2 diabetes to monitor changes in the hormone while taking GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semgalutide and tirzepatide. They measured testosterone levels before taking the medications and for 18 months after starting the treatment. Roughly half of the men had low to low-normal testosterone at the start of the study and most reached normal levels after treatment. 'The increases we observed were more modest than what you would typically see with testosterone replacement therapy,' said lead author Dr. Shellsea Portillo Canales, endocrinologist at SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital, via email. 'However, they occurred naturally, without testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), and likely reflect the body recovering its normal hormone production as weight and insulin resistance improved.' The study highlights the need for men already on testosterone therapies to closely monitor their levels after starting weight loss medications, Portillo said. In some cases, men may need to have their testosterone supplement doses lowered or discontinued, especially if their testosterone normalizes while on weight loss medications. There are limitations to the new study. The findings don't prove the increase in testosterone levels was caused by the drugs semaglutide or tirzepatide. It was a retrospective study, meaning the researchers analyzed existing medical records over time, rather than conducting a randomized clinical trial. And they didn't check testosterone levels after the men stopped the drugs. 'If weight is regained, testosterone levels could potentially drop again,' Portillo said. The study findings were presented this Monday at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society's annual meeting in San Francisco. The researchers are planning to submit it to a medical journal for peer review. Dr. Susan Spratt, professor of medicine at Duke University School of Medicine, said many men are overtreated with testosterone therapy when they have levels on the lower normal side. 'It would be better to treat obesity or diabetes and naturally increase testosterone than to prescribe testosterone — which has known risks,' said Spratt, who was not part of the study. Some risks of testosterone therapy include worsening sleep apnea, acne, enlarging the prostate or breasts, increasing growth of prostate cancer, reducing sperm counts, causing the testicles to shrink and increasing the risk of clots, according to Mayo Clinic. The study shows the dual benefit of weight loss medications in men, said Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, obesity medicine physician scientist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. 'The findings from this study highlight an important intersection between metabolic health and hormonal balance,' Stanford said. 'This dual benefit underscores the potential of these medications to enhance overall health outcomes, including reproductive health, in this population.' Normal testosterone levels are between 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter. Testosterone tends to decline gradually with age, starting around the late 30s to early 40s. By age 75, the average male testosterone level drops to about 65% of the average level seen in young adults, Portillo said. 'Improving testosterone can enhance quality of life and possibly reduce health risks associated with low levels,' Portillo said. Spratt said it's important to distinguish between normal testosterone levels that increase but remain in the normal range, versus low testosterone levels that increase to normal. Testosterone levels that are truly low are most concerning because low testosterone can lower bone density (which increases the risk of fracture), reduce muscle mass, lower hemoglobin (red blood cells) levels and decrease libido, experts say. 'However, treating low normal testosterone without a known cause is controversial and has increased in the past decade likely due to direct-to-consumer marketing,' Spratt said. The researchers only included men in the study, because they didn't expect weight loss drugs to raise testosterone levels in women. 'In general, we don't routinely measure testosterone in women, unless there are signs of a hormonal imbalance, like excess facial hair (hirsutism), irregular periods, infertility or signs of masculinization,' Portillo said. In those cases, testosterone testing can help diagnose conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, adrenal disorders or rare tumors. Some studies in women with PCOS, a condition which raises testosterone levels, suggest GLP-1 therapies may help slightly lower testosterone by improving metabolism and reducing insulin resistance. Certain conditions are well known to decrease testosterone in men, including excess fat, especially around the abdomen, which interferes with hormone signals from the brain to the testicle, experts say.
