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Testosterone Causes Increased Muscle Mass and Decreased Abdominal Fat in Nonobese Older Men

In this study, 60 healthy men aged 55 years or more with low testosterone levels were treated with transdermal testosterone (5.0 mg) or placebo patches.

At 1 year, serum testosterone had increased by 30% in the active treatment group. Compared to the placebo group, there was a significant increase in total body fat-free mass and skeletal muscle; thigh skeletal muscle loss was prevented, and abdominal organ fat accumulation decreased.

"Given the strong association of visceral fat with metabolic syndrome—leading to diabetes—and cardiovascular disease," notes Dr. Allan, the lead researcher "these findings suggest testosterone may be used to modify the age-related increase in visceral adipose tissue, and possibly the associated adverse metabolic changes."

This study supports findings that natural testosterone therapy can decrease the risk of metabolic syndrome, and therefore diabetes and heart disease.

Reference:

J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2008;93:139-146, or http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/569642.