As men age, they begin to experience hormone changes that can have unexpected consequences, including low testosterone. Starting around age 30, testosterone levels begin to drop. This natural decrease in testosterone can cause changes in energy levels, metabolism, sleep and physical appearance. Most notably, men begin to develop fat in new and different places.
Understanding these changes is important. Belly fat could be more than just a cosmetic problem. Extra fat on the body can have long-term effects that could lead to poor health in the future. If you’re a middle-aged man, here’s what you need to know.
How Low Testosterone Leads to Belly Fat
Low testosterone can cause fatigue and disturbed sleep, which can in turn lead to decreases in physical activity. As testosterone levels drop, men exercise less. At the same time, they may also experience a change in appetite, wanting to eat more even if they’re engaging in less physical activity. All of these factors combined can cause an increase in body fat.
Symptoms of Low Testosterone
Knowing the symptoms of low testosterone can help you determine when it’s time to see a medical professional.
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Reduced sex drive
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Rapid hair loss
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Enlarged breasts
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Infertility
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Erectile dysfunction
What we call low testosterone is often more severe than the natural decrease in testosterone levels that men experience when they age. All men experience a decline in testosterone, but not all men experience low testosterone (also called low T).
Low Testosterone Can Lead to Other Types of Fat
As they begin to gain weight, men experience more than just low testosterone and belly fat. Visceral fat, the fat that clings to internal organs, also begins to accumulate inside the body. This is associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Often, men do not realize these changes are taking place, because this fat clings to parts of their body they cannot see.
What You Can Do About Low Testosterone and Belly Fat
If you’re a man over the age of 35, there are many things you can do to reduce fat around your belly and in other parts of your body. Making small lifestyle changes can help you increase testosterone and lose weight.
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Eat healthy. Men in their 50’s need about 200 fewer calories per day than men in their 30s. Eat a low-calorie diet, high in fruits and vegetables and low in saturated fat.
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Reduce alcohol intake. Alcohol is high in calories. Keep your alcohol consumption to one drink per day, or less.
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Get gentle to moderate exercise. Get at least 150 minutes of exercise (like brisk walking) on a weekly basis.
Does Testosterone Make You Lose Weight?
Many people wonder, does testosterone make you lose weight? Increasing testosterone levels can help you lose weight by reversing some effects of testosterone loss. This is especially true of men who are diagnosed with below-average testosterone levels. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a healthy option for men to increase testosterone and lose weight.
Contact Us for Hormone Therapy for Weight Loss
Hormone therapy for testosterone and weight loss is an option. If you’re experiencing the symptoms of low testosterone, or if you’re experiencing an increase in weight and belly fat, taking testosterone could help. Around 2% of men experience low testosterone levels at some point in their life. Working with an experienced medical professional can help you restore testosterone levels naturally and safely.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for testosterone and weight loss is designed to mimic the body’s natural testosterone levels. Help is available. To get started with BHRT for testosterone and weight loss today, contact Nava Health and Vitality Center. Make your first appointment to find out more about how our services can help you feel more like your old self.
Contact Nava Health and Vitality Center About Bioidentical Hormones and Weight Loss
Hormones and weight gain after 40 can go through rapid changes. The best HRT for menopause and natural aging should be administered by someone who is experienced in the medical field and who understands the body’s hormones. Call Nava Health and Vitality Center today or make an online appointment.