Objective: To examine the effect of cardiovascular fitness, i.e. VO2max, on the relationship between weight status and resting testosterone level (RTL) in males.Materials and methods: A subset of male participants from the 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed by weight status, i.e. normal, overweight, obese, and all participants. Bivariate correlation coefficients were computed for RTL, percent body fat (BF%), and VO2max. Partial correlation coefficients were computed between RTL and BF% controlling for VO2max and between RTL and VO2max controlling for BF%.Results: Bivariate correlations between RTL and BF%, and RTL and VO2max were significant in all groups. The partial correlation coefficients between RTL and BF% controlling for VO2max were significant in the normal and all participants group. When RTL and VO2max were analyzed controlling for BF% only the all participants group remained significant.Conclusion: Cardiovascular fitness or weight status may independently influence RTL in males.
Keywords: Endocrine; aerobic fitness; body composition; obesity; overweight.