Testosterone Replacement Therapy for Weight Loss: How it works

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

About

Constance Tambakis Odom, MD graduated in 1987 with her Doctorate of Medicine from the New York Medical College, and was an Anesthesiologist Resident from 1988 to 1991 at the Brookdale Medical Center PGY II (CA-I)-PGY IV (CA-III). She is Board Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology since 1998 and American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine since 2002. Constance Odom, MD is affiliated with the American Medical Association, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, American Society of Anesthesiology, Georgia Society of Anesthesiology, Hellenic Medical Society of New York, North Carolina Society of Anesthesiology, and Society of Ambulatory Anesthesia.

Credentials

Medical Director At:

• Nu Image Medical
• MetroMedispa P.A.

Staff Anesthesiologist at:

• Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital in Dunn, NC
• Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, NC
• Duplin General Hospital in Kenansville, NC

Director of Anesthesia Services at:

• Jacksonville Surgery Center in Jacksonville, NC

Written by our editorial team.

Last Edited 1 year ago · 7 min read

Many men can find it challenging to manage their weight as they grow older. This is the result of changes in metabolism, lifestyle habits, and hormonal fluctuations. As the body ages, metabolism tends to slow down, making it easier to gain weight and more difficult to shed excess pounds.

Surely, Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) presents a solution for those who want to take control of their weight. TRT  facilitates weight loss through various mechanisms such as promoting the development of lean muscle mass, enhancing metabolism, and optimizing hormonal balance.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy and Weight Loss

When you increase or restore testosterone levels in your body, you begin to replenish your body with testosterone. As a result, you create the testosterone your body needs to function properly. When you restore testosterone levels, your body gains lean muscle mass, and you consequently lose weight. Of course, it is important to note that testosterone influences the distribution of fat and how much muscle mass you can sustain.

Low testosterone causes body fat to increase. Carrying around excess weight affects your body's ability to make testosterone and use it effectively. This causes testosterone levels to dip even further. Once this happens, it can be difficult to solve this problem without first restoring testosterone levels to normal. Of course, this takes time. 

It takes a lot of energy to sustain lean muscle mass, so it is important to focus on building muscle and minimizing fat. When your testosterone levels return to normal, metabolism increases, enabling you to burn more calories. This leads to weight loss, according to Menâs T Clinic. TRT is primarily intended for men with hypogonadism.

How does TRT contribute to weight loss and what are its key mechanisms?

• Firstly, TRT increases testosterone levels, which in turn stimulates the growth of lean muscle mass. With more muscle, the body becomes more efficient at burning calories, even at rest, contributing to overall weight loss.

• Secondly, TRT can boost metabolism, which is the body's process of converting food into energy. With a faster metabolism, may burn calories more efficiently, aiding in weight management.

• Lastly, TRT helps optimize hormonal balance, addressing imbalances that may contribute to weight gain. By restoring testosterone levels, TRT can mitigate factors such as decreased energy levels and increased fat accumulation, promoting a healthier body composition.

• Overall, TRT offers a multifaceted approach to weight management, providing you with the tools you need to achieve your weight loss goals and improve your overall health and well-being.

 Although TRT can cause weight loss, it can take time to see noticeable results. According to experts, it can require 12 to 16 weeks to notice fat loss. Improvements in your body mass tend to stabilize at around six to 12 months of receiving TRT. However, you may see subsequent changes and weight loss as you continue TRT over a long period 

The benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

Improved mood and cognition

• TRT can enhance mental health and cognitive function.

• Research indicates improved depression scores and cognitive abilities after treatment.
  

Enhanced libido

• TRT can boost sex drive and improve sexual function.

• Studies show increased sexual desire and erection quality with TRT.
  
  

Better erectile function

• TRT can improve erectile function in men with low testosterone.

• It addresses erectile dysfunction linked to hormonal imbalances.

Increased muscle mass & reduced body fat

• TRT contributes to significant changes in physique.

• It aids in muscle growth and fat loss when combined with exercise and a healthy diet.

Stronger bone density

• TRT helps improve bone density, particularly in the spine and hip bones.

• It addresses reduced bone density associated with low testosterone levels.

While TRT offers promising benefits, individual responses may vary based on overall health and specific symptoms. Consultation with a healthcare professional is essential to determine the suitability of TRT and its potential benefits for you.

Side effects:
While you see many positive changes as a result of receiving TRT, this therapy also comes with side effects. These can include a deepened voice, mood changes, nausea, acne, and swelling or pain at the injection site. You may also see an increase in body and facial hair. Male pattern baldness may also occur.

It is also important to be aware of side effects that require immediate medical attention. These can include:

• Shortness of breath
• Swelling, redness, or lower leg pain
• Abdominal pain in the upper right side

Healthcare experts are not sure if TRT causes obstructive sleep apnea or cardiovascular disease. However, it is important to tell your doctor if you have had a stroke, heart attack, sleep apnea, or high blood pressure. Based on this information, your doctor will decide if TRT is the right treatment for you. 

If you eventually want to start a family or feel that TRT is not the right fit for you, you have the option to stop treatment.

In some cases, men may see an improvement in sex drive, which leads them to stop therapy. If you are considering this, donât stop TRT cold turkey. Instead, your doctor should gradually taper you off the treatment. This makes side effects less severe.

Your doctor will be able to put together a plan for weaning you off TRT. If you decide to stop TRT, bear in mind that your body will return to the same state it was before you started therapy. Studies conducted over 11 years found that men who received TRT lost an average of 20 percent of their overall body weight when compared to men who did not utilize TRT. Men who did not receive TRT gained an average of four percent of their body weight.

Want to boost your testosterone levels? Discover powerful solutions at Nu Image Medical and reclaim your vitality today!

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your physician about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Nu Image Medical may not offer the medications or services mentioned in this article.