Obesity May Lower Testosterone Levels in Adolescent Males
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| Obesity in adolescent males can significantly reduce testosterone levels, affecting their fertility and overall health / ( Image Aljazeera) |
A study has raised concerns that obesity could significantly reduce testosterone levels in adolescent males, highlighting the importance of weight management interventions for this age group. Testosterone, the hormone responsible for male physical development and reproductive function, can be affected by excess body weight, which may lead to long-term health and fertility issues. This makes obesity in teenage boys a particularly concerning issue that requires urgent attention, both in terms of prevention and treatment.
Researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine emphasized that obesity has severe negative effects on adolescents, especially males during this critical stage of growth and development. These effects include not only hormonal imbalances but also broader health complications, such as increased inflammation and insulin resistance, both of which can have lasting consequences if left unaddressed.
A report by the program With Al-Hakim on Al Jazeera Mubasher stressed the importance of weight loss for these adolescents. The program noted that even surgical interventions could play a role in mitigating the harms of obesity. Additionally, weight loss, particularly through bariatric surgery, was shown to significantly improve fertility levels in those who already experience fertility issues due to low testosterone levels.
In the study, researchers found that testosterone levels more than doubled or returned to normal in most obese adolescent males who underwent bariatric surgery, a procedure designed to help with significant weight loss. According to Dr. Thomas Inge, co-author of the study, "It is remarkable that testosterone levels more than doubled and normalized in most adolescent males who underwent bariatric surgery, and this improvement was maintained for up to five years."
Interestingly, the testosterone response in adolescents was greater than that typically observed in adults undergoing the same surgery. Additionally, the teenagers in the study saw substantial reductions in inflammation and insulin resistance after the surgery. Insulin resistance, a condition where the body's cells fail to respond to insulin effectively, often leads to type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders. This finding suggests that weight-loss surgery could improve both metabolic function and future fertility prospects in severely obese adolescent males.
The study, recently published in the European Journal of Endocrinology , also pointed out that these positive changes could help reduce mortality linked to obesity-related complications. Researchers are optimistic that early intervention, especially during adolescence, could prevent many of the long-term health issues associated with obesity, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
The study underscores the importance of addressing obesity in adolescent males, not only for their immediate health but also for their long-term well-being. Obesity's impact on hormone levels, particularly testosterone, can have serious implications for fertility and overall health, making it essential for parents, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to take action. Weight management strategies, including lifestyle changes and, in some cases, surgery, can significantly improve outcomes for those affected by severe obesity.
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