2009 Studies & Research Blog

Most people already know that testosterone is one of the major hormones responsible for muscle growth.  It is going to be maximized when you are lifting heavy weights and eating a surplus of calories that will prompt the muscle building process to take place.  Recently, researchers from the Hospital Orton in Helsinki Finland looked at what happens to serum testosterone levels when a weight reduction protocol was put in place.

For the study, a group of eighteen elite wrestlers were looked at both before and after two weeks of a weight loss program with Dual-energy X-ray aborptiometry.  After the study was completed, a weight loss of 8.2 pounds (+/- 2.3%) was seen, and with this there was a significant decrease in serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone concentrations.  In addition to this, it was noted that dehydration was present, along with an increased in blood hemoglobin, hematocrit, and serum creatinine.

This demonstrates that when an individual puts themselves on a serious weight loss program, even if it’s just for the short term, it will still have a dramatic impact on body composition and hormonal levels in the body.

While this may not be all that big of an issue for a fully grown individual, for younger athletes, this could potentially impact the natural growth process that should be occurring, especially if short-term diet plans are implemented on an ongoing basis such as those that are seen with competitive wrestling or bodybuilding/fitness competitions.

Reference:
Karila, TA., et al. Rapid Weight Loss Decreases Serum Testosterone. (2008) Int. Journal of Sports Medicine. May 30.