Sex-differential testosterone response to long-term weight loss
An erratum to this article was published (Int J Obes (Lond), Oct 2024 ↗)
Authors' conclusion
The testosterone changes observed in this study were proportional to the amount of weight loss. In females, reduction in androgens was independent of age and menopausal status and more pronounced after bariatric procedures. This study finding warrants further clinical research to explore an impact of androgen reduction on functional and cognitive status in postmenopausal women. The observed changes in pituitary hormones may contribute to the metabolic benefits of bariatric surgery.
Study context
- Population
- Adults with BMI >30 kg/m², mean age 51 (SD = 11) years
- Participants
- 61 adults
- Exposure
- Dietary intervention (Diet) vs bariatric procedures
- Outcome
- Change in total testosterone per 1 kg weight lost, men and women
- Follow-up
- Baseline to 36 months
Methodological detailsEndocrine parameters measured at baseline and 6 timepoints over 36 months
- Endocrine parameters measured at baseline and 6 timepoints over 36 months
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Males: total testosterone increased by
0.6%
95% CI 0.2%, 1.0%p = 0.002
Females: total testosterone decreased by
0.8%
95% CI −1.4%, −0.3%p = 0.003
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
| Outcome | Estimate | P value |
|---|---|---|
| Total testosterone and FAI in women vs Diet · 36 monthsRYGB vs Diet · lower with RYGB, women | total testosterone 54% (95% CI −90% to −17%) | P = 0.004 |
| Total testosterone and FAI in women vs Diet · 36 monthsRYGB vs Diet · reduced with RYGB, women | FAI 65% (95% CI −114% to −17%) | P = 0.009 |
| Total testosterone and FAI in women vs Diet · 36 monthsSG vs Diet · reduced with SG, women | FAI 39% (95% CI −77% to 0%) | P = 0.05 |
Total testosterone and free androgen index (FAI) in women vs Diet · 36 months
- No such differences between groups for males
Pituitary hormones per 1 kg weight loss, entire cohort · 36 months
- ACTH declined by
- 0.3% (95% CI: 0.0, −0.5%, p = 0.05)
- IGF-1 increased by
- 0.4% (95% CI; 0.2%, 0.7%, p = 0.005)
- No TSH change
Original publication
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →