Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet Rescues Obese Patients From Hypogonadism

Key findings of the study were:

By the end of the 4th week, the researchers found that the body weight (-9.3 kg), fat mass [-6.5 kg] and BMI [-3.1] significantly decreased, and a mean 14.9 ± 3.9% loss of the initial body weight was achieved.

They also found a significant increase of 0.49 (0.59) ng/ml and 0.89 (0.91) ng/ml in serum TT levels after 1 and 4 weeks after VLCKD, respectively.

Similarly, they found a mean increase of 3.47 and 10.94 in serum SHBG levels after 1 and 4 weeks, respectively.

Upon additional stratification in high vs low responders in regard to TT variations after one week of VLCKD, they noted that the responders differed only by the level of insulin sensitivity.

They also pointed out low responders displayed a significantly high level of insulinemia compared to those considered high responders.

The authors concluded, "This is the first study that evaluated the early response of androgen levels to institution of a VLCKD. VLCKD promotes a rapid effect on TT levels, especially in insulin-sensitive subjects with overweight or obesity. "

They further added, "This highlights the tight relation between insulin action, energy balance, and testicular function. Further, VLCKD could be safely used to improve hypoandrogenemia, and possibly rescue obese patients from functional hypogonadism."

For further information:

Angelo Cignarelli et al., Effects of a very low-calorie ketogenic diet on androgen levels in overweight/obese men: a single-arm uncontrolled study; e-ECE 2021. Abstract.