According to new research, the reproductive function in obese boys can be improved through weight loss in their earlier adulthood. Presented at the 59th Annual European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology Meeting suggests that even after short-term weight loss, alterations in reproductive function could be partially reversed in young boys with obesity.
Childhood obesity can have some profound effects on future health in adulthood, including a greater risk of cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Obesity has also been linked to fertility problems in both men and women. Leydig cells in the testis become active in puberty to produce the main male hormone, testosterone. Meanwhile Sertoli cells are critical for the production of healthy sperm and produce several reproductive hormones, essential for sperm maturation.
In the study, Dr Solene Rerat and colleagues at Angers University Hospital in France investigated how a 12 week educational weight loss programme in 34 boys, aged 10 to 18 years, affected markers of Leydig and Sertoli cell function, as well as metabolism. The boys had a healthy, balanced diet, undertook physical activity for at least one hour per day, according to international recommendations, and had weekly individual sessions with a dietician.
Before and after the programme, levels of reproductive hormones, body fat composition and blood glucose were measured for comparison. Over the 12 weeks, the boys significantly lost weight and had improved insulin levels, as well as increased testosterone levels.
Dr Rerat states, “These findings underline the need to consider childhood obesity as a factor in future fertility issues. We strongly recommend that early management of childhood obesity is necessary to reverse these impairments, and to help prevent future reproductive problems, as well as lowering the risks of other debilitating diseases.”
However, they cautioned, "Our study only evaluated the effects in a small number of obese boys after a twelve-week therapeutic educational program. Further studies with longer follow up are needed to help us fully study the effect of weight reduction on reproductive function."
