The Effect of Weight Loss and Weight Loss Interventions on Sex Hormones: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
Authors' conclusion
Weight loss interventions significantly improve sex hormone profiles in adults with obesity, contributing to enhanced reproductive and sexual health outcomes. The quality of evidence varies by intervention and outcome. Still, our analysis suggests bariatric surgery has the highest benefit, independent of and out of proportion to the amount of actual weight loss.
Study context
- Population
- Adults (with obesity)
- Comparison
- Weight loss interventions and their effects on sex hormones
- Outcome
- Sex hormone profiles
Methodological detailsPRISMA guidelines, searches of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Embase up to April 2025, three independent reviewers
- PRISMA guidelines
- Searches of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Embase up to April 2025
- Three independent reviewers
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Men, bariatric surgery: increase in total testosterone (moderate- to high-quality evidence)
up to 8.73 nmol/L
Men, bariatric surgery: increase in sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) (moderate- to high-quality evidence)
up to 21.22 nmol/L
Original publication
The Effect of Weight Loss and Weight Loss Interventions on Sex Hormones: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Endocr Pract. Published 28 October 2025. doi:10.
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