Testosterone and Belly Fat

Excess belly fat, or potbelly, can usually develop from an unhealthy diet or lack of exercise. But, did you know low testosterone levels can also cause it? This type of belly fat is very difficult to get rid of. 

However, it isn’t impossible. With a little determination and some help from your gym trainer or doctor, testosterone-induced belly fat is in fact manageable.

Today, we’ll be discussing everything about testosterone deficiency, its relationship with belly fat, and how to increase your testosterone levels.

What is the Importance of Testosterone?

Testosterone is an essential male sex hormone that promotes male characteristics. It is produced in the testicles or the ovaries of a person. The deeper voice, facial hairs, stronger bones, and higher muscle mass in males are all promoted by this hormone. 

It is also vital for fertility and sperm maturation. However, testosterone is not just found in men. It is also vital for keeping women healthy who produce it in smaller quantities. Testosterone plays an important role in keeping the bone strength and muscle mass in both genders at a healthy level. 

What are the Side Effects of a Testosterone Deficiency?

Since testosterone plays such a vital role in keeping our bodies in optimal health, low levels of it can result in some serious consequences. A deficiency of this hormone can lead to:

• Depression.
• Weight gain.
• Erectile dysfunction.
• Reduced body hair.
• Fatigue.
• Loss of muscle mass.

What Counts as Belly Fat?

The fat that accumulates around your abdomen is called belly fat. Most men start to gain excess belly fat once they become older when testosterone levels generally start to drop. This often results in the dreaded “Potbelly” that plagues many men in their more senior years. 

Since this type of belly fat is not the result of an unhealthy diet or lack of exercise, it can be difficult to get rid of it through conventional means. It may not respond as well to exercise or a healthy lifestyle as you want. The seemingly impossible to lose belly fat can be a real mental drain, and it can cause you to lose motivation to exercise. 

Relationship Between Testosterone and Belly Fat

Now, you may ask what exactly is the relationship between testosterone and belly fat? As mentioned before, testosterone increases muscle growth. But it also suppresses fat gain at the same time. So, as long as testosterone levels are high, the muscle mass also remains high and the fat percentage in your body remains low. 

This balance is off-put when testosterone levels are lowered, whether from age or some other reason such as lack of good sleep. When this happens, it becomes easier to gain weight resulting in a potbelly. Also, obesity itself can cause testosterone levels to go down. 

This is because belly fat contains a high amount of an enzyme called aromatase which turns testosterone into estrogen. This, in turn, can cause a reduction in testosterone levels. In short, not only can low testosterone levels cause you to gain weight, but obese individuals are also more prone to developing a testosterone deficiency.

Testosterone Supplements

If you feel like your belly fat is caused by low testosterone, consider consulting a doctor. They can diagnose and treat this deficiency through testosterone replacement or testosterone booster treatment options:

Testosterone Replacement

Your doctor may decide to treat your testosterone deficiency using testosterone replacement. This treatment is performed under the supervision of a doctor. It can be done through injections, supplements, or skin patches. Testosterone replacement may help you lose weight and reduce belly fat if your testosterone levels are low.

Testosterone Boosters

Another way your doctor can counter your low levels of testosterone is by using testosterone boosters. These boosters promote the production of testosterone in your body. Testosterone boosters are also sometimes called natural testosterone supplements. 

Should You Take Testosterone Supplements?

You should only take testosterone supplements as per the recommendation of your doctor. This is because they are well equipped to determine if you have a deficiency in the first place. If you do have low testosterone levels, then your doctor can recommend the best treatment for you. 

Testosterone synthetic steroid misuse is a serious problem that can result in some dangerous consequences. Some of the side effects of testosterone supplements or steroid misuse are increased aggressive behavior, heart disease, and liver problems. So, you should only use any type of testosterone supplements under the guidance of your doctor to avoid these side effects. 

How to Increase Testosterone Levels Naturally

Improving your testosterone levels is not just limited to supplements. There are many natural methods through which you can keep your testosterone levels at a healthy point. Here are some of these methods to help you do just that:

Get Sufficient Sleep

Lack of sleep has been linked to testosterone deficiency. So you should make sure to get a relaxed and good night’s sleep every day. Not only is this good for your testosterone levels, but it is also great for your overall physical and mental health. 

Do Strength Training

There have been some studies that show that strength training can help increase your testosterone levels. Your gym trainer can help you develop a new strength training regime. This way, you can get great exercise and keep your testosterone levels from going too low at the same time. 

Reduce Stress

Too much stress is bad for your testosterone levels and mental health. So, it is best to work on reducing stress from your daily life and set some time aside for just relaxing.

Get Enough Vitamin D and Zinc

Lower levels of vitamin D and zinc can cause a testosterone deficiency. It is best to consult your doctor about your vitamin D and zinc levels and adjust your diet to increase your daily intake if needed. Doing so may help increase your testosterone levels.  

Conclusion

Healthy testosterone levels are essential for a healthy lifestyle and for keeping belly fat at bay. Thankfully, a deficiency of this hormone is very much treatable.

So, if you suspect a testosterone deficiency to be causing your belly fat, then talk to your doctor and get the appropriate treatment. But remember, if you want to lose belly fat, then a healthy lifestyle must always accompany the treatment you are getting.