Excess weight can contribute to dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis \u2014 the hormone system that regulates testosterone production \u2014 and functional hypogonadism, a condition in which testosterone levels are abnormally low because of disrupted hormone signaling. These changes can also impair semen quality.<\/p>\n
WEIGHT-LOSS MEDICATIONS COULD IMPACT SEXUAL HEALTH IN UNEXPECTED WAYS<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n The researchers evaluated how GLP-1 weight-loss drugs impact reproductive hormones and metabolic outcomes, analyzing data of men<\/a> between the ages of 18 and 65 who were taking one of the medications, according to a press release.<\/p>\n The systematic review of five randomized controlled trials focused on measuring testosterone, brain hormones involved in testosterone and sperm production, and a protein that carries sex hormones in the blood. Semen quality, weight and BMI, cholesterol<\/a> and blood sugar were also measured.<\/p>\n Men with obesity and low testosterone linked to obesity may experience improved testosterone, sperm quality and metabolic heath while taking a GLP-1, the study found. (iStock)<\/p>\n The results suggested that GLP-1 medications<\/a> do not suppress male hormones. Men with obesity and low testosterone linked to obesity may experience improved testosterone, sperm quality and metabolic health, especially during weight loss.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n In one four-week study, dulaglutide showed no significant changes in reproductive hormones or sexual function<\/a>.<\/p>\n In a separate 16-week trial, liraglutide improved hormones in obese men with functional hypogonadism, meaning low testosterone was likely related to obesity. The review found that liraglutide was better for health outcomes than hormone replacement therapy.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Another liraglutide study reported improved sperm concentration and count.<\/p>\n The study authors concluded that GLP-1s “do not appear to acutely suppress the male HPG axis and may improve reproductive hormones and semen parameters in obese hypogonadal men, largely within the context of weight loss.” (iStock)<\/p>\n A 24-week trial of semaglutide, known commercially as Ozempic and Wegovy, saw improvement in sperm shape and bad cholesterol, while preserving total testosterone.<\/p>\n As only five trials were included, the small evidence base suggests more research is necessary to prove further association.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n In an abstract of the research, the authors summed up that GLP-1s “do not appear to acutely suppress the male HPG axis and may improve reproductive hormones and semen parameters in obese hypogonadal men, largely within the context of weight loss.”<\/p>\n “However, evidence remains limited and heterogeneous, underscoring the need for larger RCTs explicitly powered to assess male reproductive outcomes,” they wrote.<\/p>\n “This provides early evidence that GLP-1 medications taken by obese men with hypogonadism\/low testosterone (low T) improves testosterone levels,” one doctor said. (iStock)<\/p>\n Dr. Anthony Puopolo, men\u2019s health expert and lead medical provider for RexMD, reflected on these findings in an interview with Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n “This provides early evidence that GLP-1 medications taken by obese men with hypogonadism\/low testosterone (low T) improves testosterone levels,” he said.<\/p>\n![\"Doctor](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/male-infertility-doctor.jpg\")
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