Studies show that obese men usually have very low testosterone levels and very high estrogen levels.
Obesity can be a real problem for men. Studies show that obese men usually have very low testosterone levels and very high estrogen levels. In simple terms, they have hormone imbalance. The real problem, however, of obesity is not simply the fat or the “pot belly.” Obesity can be the cause of major medical conditions such as Type-II diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Testosterone plays a major role in regulating and countering visceral fat accumulation. Boosting levels of this hormone decreases abdominal fat mass and helps reverse glucose intolerance and to lipoprotein abnormalities in the serum. Lack of testosterone in the system, on the hand can cause obesity. In one study, it was found that serum estrone and estradiol were elevated in as much as twofold among morbidly obese men. The explanation for which is that fat cells work to synthesize the aromatase enzyme which causes male hormones to convert to estrogens. Too much estrogen in men can cause the excessive building of fat.
Likewise, obesity can cause hormone imbalance. Epidemiological data show that men with hormone imbalance are at risk of developing visceral obesity. In one study, the serum levels of testosterone where measured after the indigestion of deferent classifications of food groups. It was learnt that eating high fatty foods could reduce free testosterone levels, while high protein and high carbohydrate meals made no effect to these levels.
Obesity due to excessive production of aromatase in the fat cells can cause hormone imbalance. This explains why many obese men are impotent and have premature degenerative diseases.
What causes hormone imbalance in men?
Hormone imbalance in men is the result of very high estrogen levels and inadequate testosterone levels. As mentioned earlier, high estrogen and low testosterone is usually caused by the excess of the aromatase enzyme in the body. Aromatase is an enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen. When aromatase enzymes are suppressed, the usual result is the significant decline in estrogen levels, which will likewise lead to the boosting of free testosterone. For patients who experience hormone imbalance, the use of aromatase inhibitors are usually helpful in balancing out their hormones.
Another cause for hormone imbalance in men is due to liver enzymatic activity. The liver is one of the most important organs that aid the body in eliminating toxic substances. A healthy liver also works to eliminate surplus estrogen and sex hormone-binding globulin, which are the usual causes of hormone imbalance. Factors such as aging, use of drugs and excessive alcohol intake that can impair liver functions and are therefore contributory to hormone imbalance.
Smoking, drinking, stress and lack of proper bedtime rest are the day-to-day toxics in life that can ruin bodily functions, including hormone production.
Zinc is a natural aromatase enzyme inhibitor. The usual result of zinc deficiency is excessive aromatase in the body which leads to the build up of estrogen in the body. Consequentially, zinc deficiency can cause hormone imbalance.
Lifestyle choices are the most common causes of hormone imbalance. Smoking, drinking, stress and lack of proper bedtime rest are the day-to-day toxics in life that can ruin bodily functions, including hormone production. In dealing with hormone imbalance, it is often encouraged that men change their lifestyle choices by being selective of their diet and by exercising daily. Men who live healthier lifestyles do not only feel better but also look better with healthier hormone production.
