Bariatric surgery reverses low testosterone levels in male teens with obesity

The study involved 34 teen males with severe obesity who were enrolled in Teen-Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery, a prospective, NIH funded observational study. These teens underwent bariatric surgery and were followed for five years. Prior to surgery, only 27 percent of participants had normal free testosterone levels. Two years later, 80 percent had normal levels, and five years later, 67 percent maintained normal free testosterone levels, presumably due to some weight regain.

The study, which was led by Dr. Paresh Dandona's team in the Division of Endocrinology at the University of Buffalo, also showed dramatic reductions in inflammation and insulin resistance, which provides hope that adolescent males with severe obesity who undergo bariatric surgery may have a better outlook for future metabolic health and fertility.

"The rise in testosterone levels paired with improvement in insulin sensitivity after bariatric surgery point to benefits in improving glucose metabolism, fertility, lipid metabolism, bone mineralization, and muscle mass. These changes can help decrease morbidity over the lifespan related to obesity-related complications," said Ellen Kim, MD, pediatric endocrinologist and Medical Director of the Interdisciplinary Weight Management Program at Lurie Children's, as well as Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Research at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago is conducted through the Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute. The Manne Research Institute is focused on improving child health, transforming pediatric medicine and ensuring healthier futures through the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Lurie Children's is ranked as one of the nation's top children's hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. It is the pediatric training ground for Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.