Friday Aug 15, 2014 (foodconsumer.org) -- A. M. Traish at Boston University School of Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts, USA released a report in Current Opinion Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity suggesting that obese men with testosterone deficiency may resort to testosterone therapy for weight loss.

According to the report, long term testosterone therapy in men with testosterone deficiency leads to significant and sustained weight loss, reduction in waist circumference and body mass index and improvement in body composition.  The therapy also ameliorates metabolic syndrome.

The author attributes the weight loss effect of testosterone to "improved mitochondrial function, increased energy utilization, increased motivation and vigor resulting in improved cardio-metabolic function and enhanced physical activity."

Comment:  In the writer's opinion, the weight loss effect of testosterone therapy may also be applicable to women.  High levels of testosterone, the male hormone, are needed for weight loss, and fat loss.  In contrast, high levels of estrogen, the female hormone, may be the cause of obesity in some cases.  This is an excellent report to reveal to the public that sexual hormones play a key role in weight/fat status.  

Those who fear the side effects of testosterone should consider following a diet that can boost their serum testosterone and reduce their levels of estrogen.  Physical exercise is just one way to modify their hormone status.  A healthy diet must be used to further adjust their hormone levels in order to manage their body weight.  (David Liu, PHD)

Traish AM.  Testosterone and weight loss: the evidence.  Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes. 2014 Aug 7.