Korean J Fam Pract.  2022 Feb;12(1):48-53. 10.21215/kjfp.2022.12.1.48.

Factors Associated with Serum Testosterone Levels in Obese Men Aged 20–39 Years

• Kim YB
• Lee JH
• Kim SJ
• Yu BY
• Kang JH

• KMID: 2526376
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.21215/kjfp.2022.12.1.48

Abstract

Background
Reportedly, obesity is associated with low testosterone levels in men; however, very few studies have assessed obesity and low testosterone levels in young men. This study aimed to investigate factors associated with serum testosterone level in young obese men aged 20–39 years.
Methods
A total of 270 participants aged 20–39 years were recruited via the out-patient clinic of a university hospital for weight management between 2017 and 2020. All participants underwent anthropometric measurement, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and blood tests. We compared serum total testosterone levels and other factors using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and a multiple linear regression model.
Results
There was significant negative correlation between serum testosterone levels and waist circumference (r=-0.390, P<0.001), body mass index (r=-0.305, P<0.001), and body fat percent (r=-0.286, P<0.001). Independently, serum testosterone levels were significantly associated with waist circumference (β=-0.046, P=0.002), serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (β=-0.399, P=0.005), and serum triglyceride levels (β= -0.501, P<0.001) after linear regression model adjustments.
Conclusion
Low serum total testosterone level was independently associated with waist circumference, serum triglyceride, and ALT level in young obese men.

Keyword

Obesity; Testosterone; Waist Circumference; Triglyceride