Obesity and type 2 diabetes are primarily responsible for low testosterone and sexual health issues. Recent searches have found that Ozempic and some GLP-1 drugs can help in improving low testosterone levels along with weight loss benefits and type-2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes and obesity have led to a decrease in the level of testosterone in males, along with a few sexual dysfunctions. GLP-1 drugs, which are known for treating type 2 diabetes or obesity, can also improve your testosterone levels. In case you have the same issue, then try the GLP-1 medications for the best results.
What is the role of Testosterone?
Testosterone helps in maintaining sexual health in the male body. It helps in sperm formation and also has other functions. It also has roles in your muscle development.
The factors affecting the testosterone levels in males are:
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes.
Researchers have found that low testosterone levels can be improved. You need to adopt certain lifestyle changes to improve your hormonal health. A few bariatric surgeries and other modifications are also done to improve the level of testosterone in the body.
Can Testosterone Levels Increase with Ozempic and Other GLP-1 Drugs?
The GLP-1 drugs are known for weight loss. The list of these drugs includes:
The current research has no such clear data regarding the effects of GLP-1 drugs on testosterone levels.
However, Shellsea Portillo Canales, MD, said that men treated with weight loss therapies have experienced a noticeable increase in their testosterone levels. She was the first author to study at SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital as an endocrinologist.
GLP-1 drugs containing Semaglutide, dulaglutide, and tirzepatide have led to an increase in both free and total testosterone levels in males, as reported by Shellsea Portillo Canales.
She further said that the findings show that men with type-2 diabetes or obesity should go for incretin-based therapy. Testosterone restoration is possible using this therapy. It is very effective in case you have low testosterone because of obesity related issues.
At ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in California, Portfolio Channels reported that GLP-1 drugs increase testosterone. The study has not yet been published in any journal. But the findings will help you to understand your queries related to GLP-1 drugs and sexual health.
Another expert, the director of the Centre for Obesity Research and Education at Temple University, said that the “preliminary study on this topic fills a good gap in the research in this area”. Another spokesperson from the Obesity Society, although not a part of the research, said something about it. He said that the GLP-1 drugs, along with weight loss benefits, have a wide range of effects on secondary health benefits.
How Did Most Participants Show Improved Testosterone Levels?
A retrospective study was conducted by Portillo Canales and her team. They used the electronic health records of people with obesity and type 2 diabetes to investigate the effects of GLP-1 drugs on testosterone. This investigation was done for eighteen months.
110 white men were involved, most of them were white. The average BMI ( Body Mass Index) was 35. They had type 2 diabetes, and their clinical obesity was 86. Subjects were not mentioned if they used testosterone or other androgenic therapies.
Only half of the men in this survey had total testosterone levels above 300 nanograms per decilitre (ng/dL).
The study of the American Urological Association says that a level below 300 ng/dL will be considered low testosterone. However, after continuous medication or GLP-1 receptor use for 18 months, the proportion of men increased to 77% with healthy testosterone.
The participants lost about 26 pounds, i.e, 10 % of their body weight. Accordingly, the report says:
⦁ Total testosterone increased by 1, from 322 to 380 ng/dL, after using the GLP-1 receptor.
⦁ The free testosterone levels increased by 17%
Beverly Tchang, MD, an endocrinologist who is also an obesity medicine specialist at Weill Cornell, discussed that “This tracks with what we would expect based on how weight loss affects testosterone concentrations”.
Bariatric surgery has a good impact on weight loss and can improve testosterone levels and other hormones in the body. The weight loss from this method works effectively and also helps in increasing the sperm count. However, less research has been done on this topic.
No such scientific evidence exists about GLP-1 medications or Ozempic increasing the production of testosterone in the body. However, weight loss using these medications is quite effective. This weight loss ultimately leads to an increase in testosterone levels in the body.
While there is no evidence that GLP-1 medications stimulate testosterone production directly, the increase in testosterone driven by their weight-loss effects appears comparable to that of other weight-loss strategies.
Low-T or male Hypogonadism
The occurrence of Low-T or male Hypogonadism is directly linked with less production of testosterone by the testicles. There are a few signs associated with low testosterone in men :
- Libido, or having a low sex drive.
- Muscle mass reduction
- Erectile dysfunction
- Lack of energy or lethargy in the body.
- Body fat percentage increases.
Among all the effects associated with low-T, pathologic Hypogonadism is the most dangerous one. It can lead to an excessive reduction in testosterone production, which is irreversible. Your health can deteriorate, and your overall health will be affected.
However, in most cases, low testosterone levels can be fixed by adopting certain lifestyle changes along with medical help.
What is the case of obesity-related low testosterone?
Obesity is linked to pseudo-hypogonadism. Obesity, occurring due to the excessive deposition of adipose tissue, can affect your testes. Sun Kim has indicated that severe obesity can disrupt the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. She is an MD and an Endocrinologist. However, she wasn’t involved in the research work.
Obesity and low testosterone can also lead to serious weight gain issues. Due to obesity, your testosterone levels decrease, and as a result, the muscle mass also reduces. A decrease in physical activity may contribute to height. gain
Muscle mass is required for metabolism. Whenever you have a low testosterone level, your muscle-building level decreases, affecting metabolism. Tchang has noted this in their findings.
Ozempic, along with similar GLP-1 medications, is often prescribed to aid in weight reduction. They can reduce the level of testosterone. Sun Kim further suggested that people who want a hormone replacement for low-T must prioritise weight loss first.
Role of GLP-1 Drugs in Improving Your Sexual Health
Preliminary findings are there about the effects of GLP-1 drugs on sexual health. Some findings say that GLP-1 drugs can help improve sexual health few men have said in Reddit reviews that GLP-1 has helped their libido. It has also helped them in increasing their sexual performance. Tchang also said that weight loss drugs have some additional benefits on testosterone levels. These drugs have effects on keeping your blood vessels healthy and regulating your blood flow. Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs have come up as a sexual aid for men.
In the past few years, it has been seen that incretin therapies are more famous for weight loss in place of calorie restriction and physical exercise.
The effects of weight gain are directly linked to a decrease in testosterone levels.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can Ozempic help with low testosterone?
A: Yes, especially in men who are overweight or have type 2 diabetes. It can help your body make more testosterone over time.
Q: How do the Ozempics and GLP-1 drugs help you?
A: It helps you lose weight. This makes it easier for your body to balance hormones like testosterone.
Q: Does it work like testosterone shots?
A: No, it doesn’t give a fast boost. It helps your body slowly improve on its own.
Q: Who does Ozempic help the most?
A: Men with extra weight or diabetes who already have low testosterone.
Q: How long does it take to work?
A: It can take a few months up to a year to notice a real change.
Q: Can I use Ozempic just to raise testosterone?
A: No, it’s not meant for that. It’s mainly for diabetes or weight loss, but it may help your testosterone as a bonus.
Q: What if I am already using testosterone?
A: Talk to your doctor. You might need a different dose if your body starts making more on its own.
Q: Does it change women’s hormones too?
A: Yes, but in a different way. In women with high testosterone (like in PCOS), it may help lower it.
Q: Is it safe to try weight loss medication to increase testosterone levels?
A: If it’s prescribed for you, yes. Just make sure to follow your doctor’s advice.
Conclusion
Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs can help raise testosterone levels naturally, mainly by improving weight, blood sugar, and overall health. They don’t work like testosterone therapy, but for men with obesity or type 2 diabetes, they can support the body in making more of its testosterone over time. It’s a slow but healthy process. Always talk to your doctor.