New Delhi: Obesity is a major health burden faced by many in the current times. The condition is the cause of chronic health issues ranging from diabetes to cardiovascular diseases, but as per a local study published in an indexed medical journal has revealed that six out of 10 obese patients who went for a weight loss surgery had low levels of primary male hormone.
In the battle against obesity, bariatric or weight loss surgery has gained a lot of attention in recent times hence, the study has raised concerns that should low levels of testosterone be added as a criterion for undergoing a bariatric surgery.
The main author of the study, surgeon Dr Shashank Shah stated that given the findings in the first study from India, it is important to address the query about the inclusion of testosterone deficiency as an additional qualification for a bariatric surgery, reported TOI.
In the study, the researchers found that about 60 per cent of the patients had low testosterone levels and the other 20 per cent had a borderline count. Further, the study concluded that testosterone levels among obese teenagers had shown a decreasing trend with increasing BMI.
Low testosterone linked to obesity
Reports suggest, that for decades low testosterone has been associated with obesity. As per scientists, fat cells metabolise testosterone into the hormone estrogen, leading to a deficiency of the male hormone. While, without adequate testosterone, the conversion of blood sugar gets hit and this ultimately leads to diabetes at the same time.
The study has been published in ‘Obesity Surgery’ that is an indexed journal from Springer-Nature. Around 134 males between the ages of 18 and 30 years participated in the study. These men had a body mass index (BMI) of over 32.5 kg/m2. Moreover, their BMI, total and free testosterone levels and clinical features of gynecomastia (an increase in the breast gland tissue in boys or men), hypogonadism (failure of testes to function properly) and thinning of pubic and armpit hair were checked.
Testosterone is crucial for enthusiasm, commitment and compliance and when there is a lack of commitment or compliance, there could be low levels of testosterone at role.
According to a local study published in an indexed medical journal has revealed that six out of 10 obese patients who went for a weight loss surgery had low levels of primary male hormone. Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
