Exercise Intervention Could Improve Testosterone Levels in Overweight Men

A 12-week aerobic exercise intervention increased serum total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), and bioavailable testosterone (BT) levels in overweight/obese men, according to a new study. Moreover, an increase in vigorous physical activity was associated with an increase in serum testosterone levels in obese men.

“Because testosterone is associated with many physiological functions in men, increased testosterone levels improve obesity-induced disorders,” said study lead author Hiroshi Kumagai, PhD, of the Health and Sport Sciences Department at the University of Tsukuba in Tsukuba, Japan.
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Sixteen normal-weight men (body mass index [BMI] < 25 kg/m²) and 28 overweight/obese men (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) completed a 12-week aerobic exercise intervention (walking and jogging 40-60 min/d, 1-3 d/wk). Before and after the intervention, the researchers measured serum levels of TT, FT, and BT, and light, moderate, and vigorous physical activity in all participants.

They calculated FT and BT on the basis of serum levels of TT, sex hormone-binding globulin, and albumin according to the formula shown on the International Society for the Study of the Aging Male website. At baseline, serum TT, FT, and BT levels were significantly lower in overweight/obese men than those in normal-weight men (all P<.01). After the 12-week aerobic exercise intervention, serum TT, FT, and BT levels significantly increased in overweight/obese men (P<.01) but not in normal-weight men. In addition, the changes in vigorous physical activity were independently associated with an increase in serum TT levels in overweight/obese men.

“In obese individuals, exercise poses risks of burden to the heart and/or joints of the knee,” Dr Kumagai said. “We previously demonstrated that the combination of aerobic exercise and dietary modification also increases serum testosterone levels. Thus, we encourage the combination of aerobic exercise and dietary modification for increasing testosterone and reducing body mass in obese men.”

Future research will investigate the detailed mechanisms of increases in serum testosterone levels, he said.

—Mike Bederka

Reference:

Kumagai H, Yoshikawa T, Myoenzono K, et al. Habitual aerobic exercise increases serum testosterone levels in overweight and obese men. Presented at: American Physiological Society Intersociety Meeting: The Integrative Biology of Exercise VII; November 4, 2016; Phoenix, AZ. Abstract 24.4. http://www.the-aps.org/mm/Conferences/APS-Conferences/2016-Conferences/Exercise/Official-Meeting-Program-Book.pdf. Accessed November 4, 2016.