A recent study suggests that many overweight males may suffer from low testosterone, which could potentially be the root cause of their weight problems. Presented at European Congress on Obesity in Lyon, France, the research demonstrated that test subjects who received testosterone injections were able to successfully reduce their body mass indexes much more effectively than men who received no treatment at all.

According to researcher Farid Saad, DVM, the study wasn’t intended to investigate the relationship between testosterone and weight loss; however, ultimately, the link was too obvious to ignore.

In conducting their study, researchers closely followed a group of overweight, older men who were receiving hormone therapy over a 5-year period to treat erectile dysfunction and other problems linked to low testosterone. After 5 years, researchers noted that patients lost an average of 35 pounds each, with a 38- to 42-inch average reduction in waist circumference. Patients also showed improvements in LDL cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure and triglyceride levels.

What Dieters Should Know

According to researchers, the weight-loss reported in this particular study far exceeds that found in other studies. This has excited many experts who note that other studies have demonstrated that overweight men commonly suffer from low testosterone.

That said, before you consider hormone supplementation as a way to lose your love handles, use caution; although hormone therapy may ultimately prove to be an effective strategy to encourage faster fat loss, it can have drawbacks. Experts warn that testosterone supplementation can have negative side-effects in some people, including depression, acne, hair-loss and more. Some health professionals also worry that prolonged testosterone therapy could increase the risk of prostate cancer and/or enlargement.

Additionally, overweight men should not attempt to boost their testosterone by using over-the-counter supplements found at health food stores unless they’ve met with their doctors to discuss the potential benefits and risks.

If you are an overweight male, it may be a good idea to meet with your general physician to have your testosterone levels checked.