Need a testosterone boost? New study suggests trying weight-loss drugs like Ozempic

Time of India

12 hours ago

We're circling back to the age-old idea of hitting two birds with one stone!
The medication that's widely prescribed to manage diabetes and used for weight loss as well – is now showing promise to offer some more exceptional health perks.
Recent research suggests that GLP‑1 receptor agonists, like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Trulicity, might offer an unexpected hormonal benefit. A recently presented ENDO 2025 study tracked 110 men over 18 months, revealing a remarkable rise in testosterone from 53% to 77% of normal levels, alongside about 10% average weight loss. These findings hint that by targeting fat reduction, insulin resistance, inflammation, and estrogen-to-testosterone conversion, these drugs could offer a dual boost for metabolic and men's health.
Read on to know more.
The GLP‑1–Testosterone breakthrough
GLP‑1 receptor agonists – such as semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy), dulaglutide (Trulicity), and tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) – work by mimicking the gut hormone GLP‑1 to suppress appetite, slow digestion, and improve insulin secretion.
Now, testosterone is a hormone that 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.
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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.
This new study highlights another tool that may help elevate these levels — Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs.
Endocrinology fellow Dr. Shellsea Portillo Canales and the research 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.
At the
ENDO 2025 conference
, the team shared data showing men on these drugs experienced ~10% weight loss and significant testosterone increases (from 53% to 77% of normal) over 18 months. Mechanisms include reduced aromatase in shrinking fat, improved insulin sensitivity, and lower systemic inflammation – key drivers supporting testosterone production.
The convincing evidence
A 2025
meta-analysis
(n=680) of seven GLP‑1 RA trials found a pooled increase in total testosterone of 1.39 ng/mL, with parallel gains in free testosterone, LH, FSH, weight loss, and HbA1c reduction.
Liraglutide (Saxenda) was observed to restore gonadotropin signaling and improve testosterone in obese men, without the hormonal axis suppression typical of testosterone replacement therapy.
However, a
2021 cohort
in men with type 2 diabetes (n=51) showed only modest testosterone increases, primarily in men whose baseline testosterone was under 320 ng/dL or had ≥1% HbA1c reduction, reinforcing the importance of weight loss and insulin control.
How does weight impact testosterone levels in males?
In men, weight, particularly excess body fat, is inversely related to testosterone levels. Increased body fat, especially around the abdomen, is associated with lower testosterone, while weight loss, particularly through lifestyle changes, can lead to increased testosterone levels.
As per
research
, weight loss can enhance testosterone levels because excess body fat contains the enzyme aromatase, which converts testosterone into estrogen.
As reported by the NY Post, Dr. Shellsea Portillo Canales, an endocrinology fellow at SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital in Missouri, said, '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,' adding, '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 also said, 'Results from this study show that there is a direct correlation between the use of anti-obesity medications and testosterone levels,' adding, '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.'
The way ahead
Although initial findings from ENDO 2025 and earlier trials are encouraging, longer randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are essential to confirm direct effects on fertility, muscle mass, mood, and safety of GLP‑1 therapies. If you're considering a testosterone boost without traditional hormone therapy, GLP‑1 agents like Ozempic may offer a compelling path: addressing weight, metabolic health – and testosterone – together.
Talk to your endocrinologist to explore whether this novel approach fits your needs and goals. Always approach treatment under medical guidance – monitoring weight, hormones, metabolic health, fertility, and side effects.
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