Written by Steve Theunissen | ISSA: CPT & Fitness Nutrition
Fact checked by Andrew Lenau, ISSA CPT & Sports Nutritionist
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Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) has become more well-known for its possible effects on body composition than for its ability to boost sex hormones. We know that testosterone can help build muscle, but what about helping you lose fat? Many people believe it does, but do the facts support that belief?
This article seeks to provide the definitive answer to the question, 'Does testosterone help you lose weight.' We'll examine the physiological nuances, research, and factors related to TRT and its potential effects on losing those excess pounds.
Here's what we'll cover:
- What Is TRT?
- Does TRT Help With Weight Loss?
- How Long Does It Take To Lose Weight On Testosterone?
- Side Effects And Risks
- Best Testosterone Injection For Weight Loss
- FAQs
What Is TRT?
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a doctor-prescribed treatment for low testosterone or hypogonadism. Testosterone is the primary androgenic, or muscle-building, hormone in the human body, responsible for developing sexual traits and male characteristics and influencing mood and energy levels. Testosterone also affects sex drive and performance.
As men age, their natural production of testosterone diminishes. Lifestyle and societal factors also contribute to low testosterone levels. Symptoms of low testosterone include muscle loss, decreased strength, low sex drive, fat gain, and reduced bone density.
TRT is designed to bring testosterone levels back up to an average level of between 300 and 950 ng/dL. It involves taking synthetic testosterone under medical supervision and with a prescription through injections, gels, patches, or implants.
Does TRT Help With Weight Loss?
Yes, TRT has been shown to help with weight loss. As the master androgenic hormone, testosterone increases the rate of protein synthesis, allowing the body to produce, repair, and distribute protein more efficiently. It also positively affects metabolism. As a result of these improvements, you can train more effectively, maintain muscle mass, and better utilize the food you eat for workout recovery.
TRT helps a person build lean muscle mass. The more muscle you have in your body, the higher your basal metabolic rate. That's because muscle burns more calories at rest than fat, which may help with weight management. In men, fat tends to accumulate in the belly area. TRT may assist in redistributing fat away from the abdominal area, which is linked to improved metabolic health.
TRT improves mood, motivation, and energy levels. These factors can help a person stay on track with the healthy lifestyle needed for long-term weight management. There is some research to suggest that testosterone affects appetite as well.
When levels are low, appetite tends to be higher due to an increase in ghrelin (the hunger hormone) production, so increasing levels through TRT may help regulate the appetite so that the person eats less. This will help maintain the negative calorie balance needed for successful fat loss.
A 2014 meta-study took an in-depth look at the ability of testosterone replacement therapy to influence weight loss [1]. It was found that TRT had resulted in significant, long-term weight loss in obese men over several studies. This weight loss included a reduction in waist circumference.
The study authors pointed to the following mechanisms of action as being responsible for the fat loss:
- Testosterone positively affects myogenesis (the formation of new muscle fiber) while inhibiting adipogenesis (the formation of fat cells).
- TRT regulates protein, carbohydrate, and fat metabolism. Specifically, it increases glucose utilization and lipid oxidation, reducing fat storage.
- TRT improved mood, motivation, and energy levels, resulting in greater energy use through exercise among the men.
- Testosterone therapy increases lean body mass, increasing resting metabolism.
The study authors concluded that testosterone therapy increased lean body mass while reducing fat mass. These results produced sustained, significant weight loss, drops in waist circumference, and lower BMI. Therefore, the researchers concluded that testosterone therapy is effective to treat obesity in men with a testosterone deficiency.
It should be noted that TRT has more of an indirect than a direct effect on weight loss, especially in people who are not obese. Rather than being a 'magic pill' for fat loss, normal testosterone levels can contribute to better workout performance, reduced appetite, and greater motivation. But you still need to put in the hard work in the gym and the kitchen to see results.
How Long Does It Take To Lose Weight On Testosterone?
How long it takes to lose weight on TRT depends on many factors, including how low your testosterone level was at the start of treatment, the type and dosage of testosterone, your workout habits, and your diet. Yet, we can get an idea from a combination of research and anecdotal experiences.
According to a 2011 study, the effects of TRT on fat cells occur after 3-4 weeks of beginning treatment, reaching their maximum effect after 6-12 months [2]. Insulin sensitivity may improve after just a few days, but it may take 3-4 months for it to affect glucose control. Changes in fat mass generally occur within 12-16 weeks, stabilizing after 6-12 months.
There are some interesting comments from TRT users on Reddit on this subject. One user mentioned the need to differentiate between fat and weight loss:
"I'm losing fat quickly! Weight is going down slowly
Stop measuring weight. Measure fat loss and inches" (source)
Here's the experience of another Reddit commenter:
"One year ago, I had completely lost my health. Overweight burned out, and unhealthy, I set out fully resolved on a journey to fundamentally reset my body and health. I was in a unique position to devote substantial time and resources to this endeavor, and I am writing this post to share my journey and what worked for me in the hopes that it may be useful to others.
Starting stats:
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Height: 6’4”
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Weight: 282lbs
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Bodyfat: 27-28%
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Blood Pressure: 159/92
Current stats:
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Weight: 206lbs
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Bodyfat: 13.5%
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Blood Pressure: 124/70" (source)
Check our TRT Before And After: What To Expect & Real-Life Results article for more in-depth information on the body changes you can expect on TRT.
Side Effects And Risks
Here are some possible TRT side effects:
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Cardiovascular Risk: Older men may be at increased risk for heart attack and stroke.
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Increased Red Blood Cell Count: TRT increases red blood cell synthesis, which could result in blood clots.
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Fluid Retention: Some people may experience fluid retention, which can raise their blood pressure. It's crucial to monitor fluid balance and blood pressure.
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Acne And Other Skin Problems: Higher testosterone levels can aggravate acne and greasy skin.
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Sleep Apnea: Those with sleep apnea may see the condition worsen when they begin TRT.
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Gynecomastia: High testosterone levels may cause tender or swollen breast tissue from an estrogen imbalance.
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Mood Swings: Increased agitation and sudden mood swings may be experienced.
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Testicular Atrophy: Exogenous testosterone use can decrease the body's natural testosterone synthesis, which may result in testicular atrophy (shrinking).
It is imperative to use TRT under the supervision of a licensed medical expert who can evaluate your specific health situation, track your progress, modify dosages as necessary, and handle any potential adverse effects.
Regular checkups with your healthcare professional will help reduce risks and increase benefits of TRT, putting your general health and well-being first.
Best Testosterone Injection For Weight Loss
Before beginning any TRT journey, it is advised that you speak with a trained healthcare professional. A skilled medical practitioner may evaluate your personal health, go over your medical background, and decide whether TRT is a good option for you. They will also keep an eye on your development and take care of any potential difficulties or side effects.
Online TRT clinics offer a practical approach to receiving medical treatments, particularly for people looking for remote appointments. These clinics frequently provide online examinations, virtual visits, and prescription services. Fountain TRT is a respected online TRT clinic that is well-known for its knowledge of testosterone replacement therapy. We recommend contacting Fountain TRT for a preliminary assessment and recommendations about testosterone injections for weight loss.
Check out our article on the 8 Best Online TRT Clinics to learn more about the advantages of using one and how to get started.
We help men boost their testosterone up to a healthy, normal level using testosterone therapy. With our online doctor’s visits, treatment is a breeze. Start your personalized evaluation...
FAQs
We get a lot of questions to do with TRT and weight management. Here are the top 5 questions we've gotten on TRT and weight loss:
How much weight do you lose with TRT?
The amount of weight you can lose on TRT can fluctuate widely depending on your age, activity level, starting weight, body composition, and hormonal balance.
However, if you combine TRT with intense training and a calorie-reduced diet, you should be able to experience fat loss at a rate of about a pound per week. Remember that you may also be gaining lean muscle tissue during this time, so your scale weight may increase.
Does TRT reduce belly fat?
TRT may be able to help reduce belly fat. Low testosterone levels have been linked with increased visceral body fat, the fat that surrounds the organs of the body, especially in the belly area. Some people also experience changes in body fat distribution when they undertake TRT.
Does losing weight increase testosterone?
Yes, losing weight can increase testosterone levels, especially in people who are obese or overweight.
As body fat's excess production of enzymes causes hormonal imbalances, obesity often converts testosterone into estrogen, leading to low T levels. Obesity also leads to insulin resistance, which also has a negative impact on the production of testosterone.
Does testosterone make you hungry?
Testosterone may make some people more hungry. In others, it actually has the opposite effect.
The relationship between testosterone and appetite is quite complex, with many factors coming into play. While increased muscle mass and metabolism may help regulate appetite, more testosterone may stimulate appetite by affecting the brain's reward system, leading to eating high-calorie food.
Can testosterone make you gain weight?
Yes, testosterone can contribute to weight gain. In some people, it may increase feelings of hunger. If you satisfy that hunger with foods high in simple carbohydrates, you are likely to gain fat weight. Testosterone therapy may also contribute to lean body mass gains, increasing overall body weight.
Testosterone And Weight Loss: A Summary
Losing weight comes down to a combination of sound nutrition, sleep, exercise, and hormonal balance. Testosterone plays a part in its ability to increase metabolism and lean body mass, fat distribution, and fat storage. In conjunction with lifestyle modifications, TRT has shown promise in helping people lose weight.
As always, it's important to use TRT cautiously and under a doctor's supervision. Consult a healthcare practitioner to discover whether TRT is a good option for you before making any decisions.
Go to our primary resource on the 8 Best Online TRT Clinics to find the right service for you.
References
- Traish AM. Testosterone and weight loss: the evidence. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes. 2014 Oct;21(5):313-22. doi: 10.1097/MED.0000000000000086. PMID: 25105998; PMCID: PMC4154787.
- Saad F, Aversa A, Isidori AM, Zafalon L, Zitzmann M, Gooren L. Onset of effects of testosterone treatment and time span until maximum effects are achieved. Eur J Endocrinol. 2011 Nov;165(5):675-85. doi: 10.1530/EJE-11-0221. Epub 2011 Jul 13. PMID: 21753068; PMCID: PMC3188848.
Steve Theunissen
Author