Examining the effects of calorie restriction on testosterone concentrations in men: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Context: Testosterone concentrations decline with age, and lower testosterone concentrations are associated with several morbidities, including sexual dysfunction, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and metabolic syndrome.

Objective: Because dietary habits play a critical role in weight regulation and T2DM management, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to summarize and critically evaluate the evidence from randomized controlled trials to determine the effects of calorie restriction (CR) on testosterone concentrations in men.

Data sources: A literature search was conducted across 4 databases, from their inception until March 2020.

Data extraction: The screening and data extraction were completed by 2 authors independently, and in a blinded manner, according to a priori inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Data analysis: Of the 4198 studies identified from the initial search, 7 randomized controlled trials were included for data extraction. Significant increases in total testosterone concentrations were reported in 3 of 4 studies in which CR was examined with overweight or obese men, compared with the control groups. Significant decreases in total testosterone concentrations were reported in 2 of 3 studies in which the effects of CR were examined with normal-weight, healthy men, compared with the control groups. In all 4 studies that examined the effect of CR on sex hormone-binding globulin concentrations, the intervention significantly increased sex hormone-binding globulin concentrations compared with that of the control groups irrespective of body composition.

Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis provide some evidence that CR affects testosterone concentrations in men and this effect depends on their body mass index. PROSPERO registration no. CRD42020173102.

Keywords: SHBG; calorie restriction; male; sex hormone–binding globulin; testosterone.