Obesity is defined as an excess amount of body fat. It’s standardly measured using the body mass index (BMI), which divides a person’s weight by their height:
- BMI = weight (kilograms) / height (meters-squared)
This value is used to assess whether a person has a healthy body weight or not. BMI is used to screen for health problems tied to weight such as:
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Certain types of cancers
- Joint issues
Higher BMIs are associated with an increased risk of many health issues, including:
- Metabolic risks such as high blood sugar and insulin levels, fatty liver disease, and an insulin-resistant state
- Cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure
- Cardiovascular events like heart attacks
- Sleep apnea
- Higher mortality
Obesity is a complex issue with multiple components at play. Often there are several overlapping factors that contribute to obesity, including:
- Genetics
- Environmental factors
- Psychological factors
- Lifestyle choices (sedentary lifestyle)
- Hormonal imbalances
- Certain medications
- Access to ultra-processed foods
- Overeating
- Mental health issues
What Is Testosterone?
Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers. They travel from tissues and organs and help with a wide range of bodily activities by sending signals throughout the body.
Testosterone is a sex steroid hormone. It’s produced primarily in the testes of men and the ovaries and adrenal glands of women.
Testosterone has a vital role in สนใจสมัคร? คลิกที่นี่เพื่อเริ่มต้น the development of male reproductive tissues and promotes increased muscle and bone mass and the growth of body hair. Testosterone also impacts sex drive, mood regulation, and cognitive function, amongst other roles.
Healthy levels of testosterone have link to:
- Increased muscle mass
- Increased bone density
- Higher red blood cell production
- Improved cognitive function
- Higher sex drive
- Improved overall sense of well-being
Testosterone levels often decrease as men grow older. This is a natural part of the aging process seen in middle-aged and elderly men. It can lead to various symptoms, such as:
- Reduced muscle mass
- Decreased bone density
- Changes in mood
- Changes in energy levels
In women, testosterone levels also decline with age, particularly after menopause. This can lead to symptoms such as low libido, decreased bone density, and changes in mood and energy levels.
Low testosterone, also known as hypogonadism and androgen deficiency syndrome. Can cause by a variety of factors. Aside from simply declining with age in older hypogonadal men, common causes of low testosterone include:
- Injury to the testicles
- Infections
- Chronic illnesses such as kidney disease or cirrhosis
- Hormonal disorders
- Genetic conditions
- Certain medications
- Problems with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus