How to Boost Testosterone—Both Naturally and Not | GQ
Here’s some encouraging news for men dealing with obesity or Type 2 diabetes: Popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) may do more than help shed pounds — they might also help restore healthy testosterone levels.
What the Study Found
Researchers from SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital looked at medical records from 110 men with obesity or diabetes. They wanted to see how testosterone levels changed after starting GLP-1 medications, like Ozempic and Mounjaro.
Before starting the meds, about half of the men had low or borderline-low testosterone. After 18 months on treatment, most had testosterone levels in the normal range. The average participant was 54 years old.
Dr. Shellsea Portillo Canales, an endocrinologist and lead researcher, said these hormone improvements happened naturally, without using testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). She believes it’s because weight loss and better insulin control helped the body return to normal hormone production.
A Word of Caution
While the results are promising, this was a retrospective study—meaning researchers looked back at existing medical records. That means they can’t prove the weight loss drugs directly caused the testosterone boost. Also, they didn’t measure what happened after the men stopped taking the drugs.
“If the weight comes back, testosterone levels might fall again,” Dr. Portillo noted.
What This Means for Men on TRT
The study suggests men already on testosterone therapy should monitor their hormone levels if they start weight loss medications. If testosterone normalizes, their TRT doses may need to be adjusted or even stopped.
Expert Insights
Dr. Susan Spratt from Duke University says many men are overtreated with testosterone when it might be better to first address obesity or diabetes. She adds that testosterone therapy isn’t without risks, which can include:
- Sleep apnea worsening
- Acne
- Enlarged prostate or breasts
- Lower sperm count and smaller testicles
- Blood clots
- Higher risk of prostate cancer growth
Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford of Harvard agrees. She says this research shows how weight loss drugs can improve both metabolic and hormonal health, especially reproductive health in men.
Why Testosterone Matters
Testosterone levels naturally decline with age — usually starting in the late 30s or early 40s. By age 75, levels drop to about 65% of what they were in younger years.
Low testosterone can:
- Weaken bones
- Decrease muscle mass
- Lower red blood cells
- Reduce sex drive
“Improving testosterone can really boost quality of life,” said Dr. Portillo.
What About Women?
This study focused only on men. In women, testosterone isn’t routinely measured unless there are signs of hormonal imbalance like:
- Unwanted facial hair
- Irregular periods
- Fertility issues
In conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), where women naturally have higher testosterone, GLP-1 drugs may help slightly lower testosterone by improving metabolism.
Final Takeaway
If you’re a man dealing with obesity or Type 2 diabetes and low testosterone, weight loss medications may offer a natural, dual benefit — trimming your waistline and restoring hormone balance. But always check with your doctor before starting or stopping any treatment.
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