Why Am I Gaining Weight On Testosterone Therapy?

Testosterone therapy helps those with low testosterone levels and a hormonal imbalance. Additionally, it can improve your insulin sensitivity, increase your energy, and even help you build muscle mass. However, one downside is weight gain.

Although it’s not a guaranteed side effect, some men gain weight when they start testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Most users take testosterone injections to improve physical function and energy levels. 

However, the problem is that you become more susceptible to unexplained weight gain. In which it becomes the opposite of what you’re trying to achieve. 

If you’re wondering why testosterone makes you gain weight, this article will give you some clarity. By the end, you’ll better understand how this hormone affects your body and what you can do about it. Keep reading to learn more.

Why Am I Gaining Weight On Testosterone Therapy?

Most of those who’ve experienced an increase in their body weight see changes in their body, such as belly fat and an increase in muscle mass, within the first six months of starting testosterone therapy.

Although some reported experiencing body fat after weeks of taking testosterone therapy, either from injections or gels, some say that insulin resistance could be the cause. At the same time,  there’s also a possibility that changes in diet and exercise routines could play a role.

Talk to your doctor if you’re concerned about gaining weight while on testosterone therapy, talk to your doctor. They may be able to adjust your dosage or recommend other treatment options depending on how your body responds to testosterone therapy.

How Much Weight Do You Gain on Testosterone?

You’ll experience initial weight gain after ten weeks of testosterone treatment. Most men see an increase of about two to five pounds during this period. However, some men may gain as much as 10 pounds or more.

The amount of weight you’ll gain depends on various factors such as:

• Your diet
• The type of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) you’re using
• Your exercise routine
• If you have any underlying medical conditions

However, weight gain is a common side effect of testosterone replacement therapy. According to a recent study, after ten weeks of testosterone therapy, weight gain is 4.5 +/- 0.6 kg; P = 0.0064 during testosterone therapy.

How Do I Lose Weight While on Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

Losing weight while you’re on testosterone replacement therapy can be difficult. Testosterone can increase your appetite, making you eat more than usual. It can also cause your body to store more fat, making it harder to lose weight.

However, it doesn’t have to be this way. You can do several things to lose the extra weight while on testosterone replacement therapy. Here are some tips:

1. Eat a Healthy Diet

One of the best ways to lose weight is to eat a healthy diet by eating more fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. It also means avoiding processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of fat. It can affect your weight if you eat more calories than you burn. 

So, ensure you’re eating a healthy diet rich in nutrients and low in calories.

2. Get Plenty of Exercises

Exercise is another excellent way to lose weight. It helps you burn more calories and build lean body mass. Furthermore, it can increase your testosterone levels.

Aim for 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. You can do this by walking, running, or weightlifting. If you’re gaining muscle, you may need to exercise more frequently. Make sure to talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise routine.

3. Avoid Alcohol and Tobacco

If you’re trying to lose weight, it’s best to avoid alcohol and tobacco. These substances can adversely affect your health and make it harder to lose weight.

Alcohol is high in calories and can lead to weight gain. It can also decrease testosterone levels, making it harder to build muscle and lose fat. Meanwhile, Tobacco is also unhealthy and can make it difficult to lose weight.

4. Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. It can also help you lose weight. 

A lack of sleep can increase fat mass because it can disrupt hormones that control appetite and cravings. Furthermore, it can make you more likely to eat unhealthy foods and snacks.

So, ensure to aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night, which is the required amount for most people to function optimally. Rest is helpful for your body to have the time it needs to recover from exercise and to reduce stress levels.

5. Manage Stress

Stress can lead to weight gain because it can increase the hormone cortisol, which can cause your body to store more fat. So, it’s essential to manage stress to lose weight. You can do this by exercising, meditating, and getting enough sleep. You should also avoid stressful situations if possible.

Also, stress can trigger unhealthy eating habits. So, if you’re trying to lose weight, it’s essential to avoid stress as much as possible.

These tips can help you lose weight while on testosterone replacement therapy. If your goal is to lose muscle mass, you may need to adjust your diet and exercise routine. Make sure to talk to your doctor before making any changes to your lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does testosterone cause weight gain in males?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as everyone’s body responds differently to testosterone therapy. However, you can experience weight gain during testosterone treatment if you have unhealthy or sedentary lifestyle choices. 

It’s important to talk to your doctor about your goals for weight loss before starting testosterone therapy.

What diet is best while on TRT?

To maintain a healthy weight while on TRT, eating a balanced diet, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein, is necessary. 

Some foods you can consume while on TRT are those rich in protein and healthy fats, such as avocado, eggs, fish, and nuts. You should also avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of alcohol.

Does testosterone make you lose belly fat?

No scientific evidence suggests that testosterone can help you lose belly fat. However, losing weight, in general, can help reduce the amount of fat in your abdomen. 

If you’re carrying extra weight around your midsection, losing even a few pounds can help reduce your risk of developing health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

What does high testosterone feel like?

Too much testosterone can lead to symptoms such as acne, enlarged breasts, and decreased testicle size. You may also experience mood swings, irritability, and aggression. If you notice these symptoms, you must talk to your doctor if you notice these symptoms, as they may indicate a more significant problem.

Final Thoughts

Everybody acts differently to testosterone therapy. If you are gaining weight while on testosterone, it could be due to many reasons. 

It’s important to talk to your doctor about your concerns and goals for weight loss before starting testosterone therapy. They may be able to adjust your dosage or recommend other treatment options depending on how your body responds to testosterone therapy.

If you’re struggling to lose weight, there are several things you can do to make healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly. Making these changes can help you improve your overall health.

If you found this article helpful, check other fitness-related articles on ExpertFitness.org.



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