Camilla Jessen
A new study has uncovered a surprising effect that may once again shift the perception of popular weight-loss drugs.
When it comes to medications like Ozempic, the focus is usually on weight loss. However, a recent study from SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital has revealed a hidden benefit that many men may find especially interesting.
Researchers analyzed health data from 110 men with obesity or type 2 diabetes. All participants were treated with popular GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide and tirzepatide.
The results surprised even experienced doctors, particularly the changes observed in hormone levels.
An Unexpected Effect
Being overweight affects more than just physical appearance. For men, excess abdominal fat can reduce testosterone levels.
While testosterone naturally declines with age, additional weight can worsen the imbalance. Until now, efforts to restore hormonal balance have mainly focused on lifestyle changes or surgery.
The idea that medication alone could have a similar effect had not been widely expected.
Testosterone Increase Without Hormone Therapy
The study found that about half of the men had low or borderline testosterone levels before beginning treatment.
Over the next 18 months, most saw their testosterone levels rise to a normal range, even though they had not received testosterone therapy.
For many, this improvement was linked to weight loss and increased insulin sensitivity, which supported the body’s natural hormone production.
Caution About High Levels
Although the increase in testosterone was not as dramatic as that seen with direct hormone therapy, the fact that it occurred naturally is still noteworthy.
Doctors advise that men who are already receiving testosterone therapy should monitor their levels closely if they begin GLP-1 treatment.
In some cases, it may be necessary to reduce or discontinue hormone supplements.
This article is based on reporting from NBC News.
