Does weight loss improve semen quality and reproductive hormones in obese men?
Author Information
Author(s): Håkonsen Linn Berger, Thulstrup Ane Marie, Aggerholm Anette Skærbech, Olsen Jørn, Bonde Jens Peter, Andersen Claus Yding, Bungum Mona, Ernst Emil Hagen, Hansen Mette Lausten, Ernst Erik Hagen, Ramlau-Hansen Cecilia Høst
Primary Institution: Danish Ramazzini Center, Department of Occupational Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
Hypothesis
Does weight loss improve semen quality and reproductive hormones among morbidly obese men?
Conclusion
Weight loss may potentially lead to improvement in semen quality among severely obese men.
Supporting Evidence
- Obesity was associated with poor semen quality and altered reproductive hormonal profile.
- Weight loss was associated with an increase in total sperm count and semen volume.
- The group with the largest weight loss had a statistically significant increase in total sperm count and normal sperm morphology.
Takeaway
If a man is very overweight, losing weight might help him have better sperm and hormones.
Methodology
A pilot cohort study where 43 morbidly obese men participated in a 14-week weight loss program, providing semen and blood samples before and after the intervention.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias due to low participation rate and loss to follow-up.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and low participation rate, which may affect the generalizability of the results.
Participant Demographics
Men aged 20 to 59 years with a BMI ranging from 33 to 61 kg/m2.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.02
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 45; 341
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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