Weight loss drugs like Ozempic can raise low testosterone: new study

Big gland energy!

Testosterone fuels male sex drive and erectile function and influences everything from bone density and muscle mass to fat distribution, red blood cell production, mood and energy levels.

Unfortunately, testosterone levels naturally decline with age. Older men may feel more tired and grouchy and less interested in sex. Not to mention the hair loss, bone fractures and weight gain around the waist that often accompany low T.

Luckily, there are ways to naturally boost testosterone. Exercise, especially strength training, a healthy diet, stress reduction, adequate sleep and weight management, particularly for those who are overweight, are just a few.

A new study highlights another tool that may help elevate these levels — Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs.

Research indicates that weight loss can enhance testosterone levels because excess body fat contains the enzyme aromatase, which converts testosterone into estrogen.

“While it is well-known that weight loss from lifestyle changes or bariatric surgery increases testosterone levels, the impact that anti-obesity medications may also have on these levels has not been widely studied,” said Dr. Shellsea Portillo Canales, an endocrinology fellow at SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital in Missouri.

“Our study is among the first to provide compelling evidence that low testosterone can be reversed with the use of commonly prescribed anti-obesity medications.”

Portillo Canales’ team analyzed the records of 110 adult men with obesity or Type 2 diabetes taking the weight-loss medications semaglutide (Wegovy), dulaglutide (Trulicity) or tirzepatide (Zepbound) but not participating in testosterone or hormonal therapy.

These three drugs mimic the effects of GLP-1, a natural hormone in the body that regulates blood sugar and appetite, often leading to lower blood sugar and weight loss.

On average, the participants experienced 10% weight loss and saw their testosterone levels rise from 53% to 77% over 18 months.

Weight loss improves insulin sensitivity, reduces inflammation and lowers aromatase activity, which contribute to increased testosterone production.

The findings were presented Monday at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society’s meeting in San Francisco.

“Results from this study show that there is a direct correlation between the use of anti-obesity medications and testosterone levels,” said Portillo Canales.

“Doctors and their patients can now consider this class of medications not only for the treatment of obesity and to control blood sugar, but also to benefit men’s reproductive health.”

GLP-1 drugs are not without risks, though. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are among the most commonly reported side effects.

Inflammation of the pancreas, vision changes, stomach paralysis and even death are rare but serious concerns.

In the 20 years since the first GLP-1 drug was approved to treat diabetes, researchers have been exploring other uses for these popular meds.

Research continues on their potential to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, improve sleep apnea, reduce alcohol cravings and treat liver disease, among other conditions.