Asia’s first study on testosterone levels in young male adults with moderate-to-severe obesity

Evaluation of the incidence of low testosterone levels in young male adults with moderate-to-severe obesity – single centre study from India.

Abstract

Purpose – With the increase in the obesity epidemic among Asians, it is necessary to evaluate the impact of obesity on this population. Low testosterone levels are known to be associated with obesity. 

This is the first study from Asia to evaluate the incidence and magnitude of hypotestosteronemia in young adults with a BMI of more than 32.5 kg/m2 defined as moderate to severe obesity in Asians.

Materials and methods 

One hundred and thirty-four male patients with BMI more than 32.5 Kg/m2 between 18 and 30 years old who visited a single bariatric facility between 2010 and 2020, were evaluated with BMI, total and free testosterone levels and clinical features of gynecomastia, hypogonadism and thinning of pubic and armpit hair. 

Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, Spearman’s correlation coefficient, and ANOVA test.

Results – 

60.4% of patients (84/134) had low testosterone level (less than 300ng/dl) and 23.9% (32/134) had levels between 300 and 400 ng/dl, 89.6% patients (120/134) had gynecomastia, 60.4% (81/134) had thinning of pubic and armpit hair, and 62.7% (84/134) had hypogonadism. 

Testosterone levels showed a decreasing trend with increasing BMI, but it was not statistically significant.

Conclusion 

Obesity is one of the important etiologies of hypotestosteronemia and its manifestation in young adults. The actual incidence may be significantly higher than what is reported in the literature. High-quality research is required to address questions of diagnosis and the best treatment options.