Men Turn to Ozempic After Study Links Drug to Higher Testosterone

A recent study has revealed that medications like Ozempic, primarily used for managing blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss, may also boost testosterone levels in men. Researchers from SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital observed that men undergoing treatment with GLP-1 medications, which include semaglutide (Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro), experienced a remarkable average increase of 24 percent in testosterone levels after 18 months of therapy.

Testosterone is crucial for male sexual development, muscle mass, bone density, and overall health. Low testosterone levels are frequently seen in men with obesity or Type 2 diabetes, contributing to fatigue, decreased libido, and a lowered quality of life. The findings from this study suggest that GLP-1 medications may not only help with weight management but could also positively influence reproductive health in affected individuals.

Significant Findings on Hormone Levels

The study involved an analysis of medical records from 110 adult men diagnosed with obesity or Type 2 diabetes. All participants were treated with semaglutide (Ozempic or Wegovy), dulaglutide (Trulicity), or tirzepatide (Zepbound) for an average of 18 months. Notably, none of the men were receiving testosterone or any hormonal therapy during this period. The results indicated an average weight loss of 10 percent, alongside a significant rise in testosterone levels from 53 percent to 77 percent.

Dr. Shellsea Portillo Canales, the lead author of the study and an endocrinology fellow at SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital, emphasized that while weight loss from lifestyle changes or bariatric surgery is known to increase testosterone levels, the impact of anti-obesity medications on hormone levels has not been extensively studied. She stated, “Our study is among the first to provide compelling evidence that low testosterone can be reversed with the use of commonly prescribed anti-obesity medications.”

Implications for Men’s Health

The correlation between weight loss and increased testosterone can be attributed to the reduction of body fat, which often leads to improved insulin sensitivity and lower overall inflammation. Both of these factors are essential for enhancing testosterone production and preventing its conversion into estrogen, which is a female hormone.

Despite the promising results, the authors of the study noted that further research is necessary to establish a definitive link between GLP-1 medications and increased testosterone levels. Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity medicine physician scientist at Massachusetts General Hospital, commented on the study’s implications, highlighting the intersection between metabolic health and hormonal balance. She remarked, “This dual benefit underscores the potential of these medications to enhance overall health outcomes, including reproductive health, in this population.”

Average testosterone levels in men typically range from 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter, and they tend to decline gradually with age. By the age of 75, the average male testosterone level is approximately 65 percent of that seen in younger adults, according to Dr. Portillo Canales.

These findings were presented at the ENDO 2025 conference, organized by the Endocrine Society in San Francisco. As interest in the multifaceted benefits of GLP-1 medications grows, it is clear that they may play a significant role in addressing both obesity and hormonal health in men.