Aging and Declining Testosterone as a Problem with Weight Gain

One of the most common signs of aging among men is gaining weight. Many men find it very hard to keep off the pounds over the years and stay at a healthy weight. The reasons for gaining weight can vary, but two common culprits are age and low testosterone. Tackling the complex problem of losing weight, gaining muscle, and improving testosterone levels can be a challenge. The experts at Blissful Wellness Medical Weight Loss Centers in Jacksonville have experience in helping older men lose weight and are eager to help.

 

The Role of Aging and Testosterone in Weight Gain

As we age, it is common to lose muscle cells. Muscle cells that once easily repaired themselves become difficult to repair and many of these cells die. Decreasing testosterone levels also account for the loss of muscle fibers and gaining fat as well. Testosterone is one of the most important hormones in a man’s body. It helps maintain muscle mass, keeps bones strong, and is responsible for developing and maintaining sex drives. More doctors are diagnosing men with low testosterone than in years past. It is estimated that up to one third of men tested have low testosterone. 

There can be a variety of causes for low testosterone. Perhaps the biggest factor is age. It is normal for testosterone to decline as men age. Being overweight, infections, injury, or problems with testicles can cause further problems with testosterone levels. Extra fat on the body causes low testosterone because the hormone is broken down in fat cells. If there are a lot of fat cells in the body, testosterone gets broken down faster. Body fat centered on the midsection is even more of a problem as it converts testosterone faster than other fat.

A risk of diabetes has been tied to low testosterone levels as well. Evidence suggests that high blood sugar levels and low insulin levels can damage the cells in the testicles that are responsible for producing testosterone.

How to Stay Healthy and Improve Testosterone Levels

Along with the popular diagnosis of low testosterone, comes an industry looking to capitalize on fixing low testosterone levels with hormone replacement therapy. While this treatment can be effective, it should be approached with caution. Treatment can come in various forms, including therapy to work with the body to produce more testosterone instead of injecting more testosterone into the body. 

When it comes to losing weight, preventing weight gain, and combating low testosterone levels, exercise is perhaps the most important. Many studies have shown that exercise helps muscle cells get bigger and stronger, even for people in their 80s. Weight lifting at any age offers many benefits to the body. Along with building muscle cells and burning fat cells, it can help to increase testosterone levels. It is worth noting that moderate exercise helps to raise testosterone while vigorous exercise actually lowers testosterone levels. Blissful Wellness Medical Weight Loss Centers in Jacksonville have been very successful in helping men lose weight and gain muscle.

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