Biomedicine

Abstract

Introduction: Adult-onset hypogonadism (AOH) is a disorder due to low serum testosterone levels and is seen in 50% of obese and diabetic males. In Obesity, excess adipose tissue converts Testosterone to estrogen thereby effectively lowering levels of testosterone in men. Obesity causes a reduction in levels of sex hormone binding globulin, which leads to a reduction of available testosterone. Metabolic syndrome (Insulin resistance syndrome) is a major driver of obesity and in various ways, it reduces serum testosterone levels. Aim: This study aims to find out whether a Low carbohydrate diet like paleo diet improves metabolic syndrome components like diabetes and obesity thereby elevating serum testosterone levels in males. Materials and methods: 44 adult males with lower testosterone levels were selected as the study population and their weights, and HbA1c were measured. A paleo diet was advised for a period of 3-6 months. After 3 months Serum testosterone, weight, and HbA1c were measured and analyzed. Student ‘t’ test was used to compare the means before and after intervention and p<0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: Almost all of the participants showed significant elevation in their serum testosterone levels (p<0.0001). The mean testosterone levels before dietary intervention was 218ng/dL and post diet was 366ng/dL. There is also a reduction in average weight (p<0.0001) and HbA1c (p<0.00001) levels. Conclusion: Our study showed that a short-term Paleo diet improves serum testosterone levels, reduces weight and improves diabetes in adult males.