Can you lose fat with low testosterone levels? HELP

**energizer bunny** · 07-04-2013, 10:06 AM

As the title says.....I would really appreciate some educated opinions on this.

Can I lose fat/weight with low levels of testosterone ?

take it that I am in calorie deficit, training hard.

I train my ass off and eat decent with little progress, I have low test, I have been tested twice so definitely low.

I really need to know because I feel like I am bashing my head against a wall and its starting to get annoying.

Cheers!

**powerlifterty16** · 07-04-2013, 10:19 AM

depends how low....you can make great progress with low test, but eventually your progress will stop, and any progress made even at the begginning will take way longer than if you had normal test.

**OoberVir** · 07-04-2013, 10:40 AM

Weight loss will continue if you remain in a caloric deficit. Calorie expenditure is not a constant though, it will lower as your weight drops and testosterone lowering can cause it to go down to a small degree (assuming activity remains the same).

**Trific** · 07-04-2013, 03:51 PM

I wonder if some T3 would help?

**FRDave** · 07-04-2013, 05:34 PM

I was able to loose the weight with proper diet/cardio, but with the low test levels I found it extremely hard to keep my energy levels up and always lost a good amount of strength with my cut, setting me back further and further.

**bass** · 07-05-2013, 12:07 AM

I lost 40 pounds while having low testosterone . you don't gain fat because your test is low, maybe some but mostly because your E2 being too high, so as long as you keep your e2 in check it is very possible to lose fat with proper training.

**100%** · 07-05-2013, 05:32 AM

Depends on really what caused you low t to begin with. If your tyhroid is hypo it can be very difficult to lose weight. If high insulin levels blunted your testosterone it can also make it extremely difficult. Your total testosterone is low but if your bio available is ok you will would be fine. Being at a caloric deficit will make you lose weight but will it be fat or muscle you will need to keep a close eye on that increaseing protein will help. Can you lose weight with just low T sure take a look at what happens to natural bodybuilders contestant prep Study: Physiological Changes During and After a Bodybuilding Contest Preparation

**spin_doctor** · 07-05-2013, 06:03 AM

I had the same problem. I have stayed at a consistent 500 cal deficit for a long time and no weight loss. I alter my workouts every 8 weeks or so and am very consistent. About 2-3 years ago I began getting belly fat and it will NOT go away. Just started TRT this week, so I hope that that will help. Maybe at least put some extra charge in my workout that will result in lower belly fat. The rest of my body is hard and tight, just having a problem on the belly.

**Rusty11** · 07-05-2013, 08:14 AM

Agree with bass and 100. It's possible to lose fat with low t. I was in mid 200s and did just fine. I'm not implying it's easy; just that it's possible. Now, when I had hypothyroidism, it was impossible. I gained 25 lbs in a few months. It didn't matter how little I ate, that weight gain wouldn't stop 'til I got on meds.

**Beethoven** · 07-05-2013, 10:22 AM

I also agree. I've done it both ways and it's definitely easier while on trt. Proper diet, weight training and cardio even boosted my test levels some though it was still low. (Mid 300's) Also staying lean is easier on trt. I tend to gain weight and be less motivated off trt.

**energizer bunny** · 07-06-2013, 03:40 AM

Cheers everyone! glad to hear it is possible. just need to tighten up diet it seems!

**Back In Black** · 07-06-2013, 03:50 AM

Originally Posted by energizer bunny

Cheers everyone! glad to hear it is possible. just need to tighten up diet it seems!

Have you flipped your macros about? So 50% protein instead of 50% carbs? You've also been cutting for 6 months? You might need to up your cals a little for a while, it's possible there is some metabolic damage after that long cutting.

**energizer bunny** · 07-06-2013, 04:09 AM

Originally Posted by Back In Black

Have you flipped your macros about? So 50% protein instead of 50% carbs? You've also been cutting for 6 months? You might need to up your cals a little for a while, it's possible there is some metabolic damage after that long cutting.

my split at the min is 50 carbs, 30 protein, 20 fats at 2000 cals.......I am training very intensely mate, lots of HI cardio mma/muay thai and also strength training, training 2 x per day somedays. so trying to balance weight loss with recovery!

to honest I have not been very motivated since learning I had low test, because I thought I was wasteing my time, in turn eating a bit shit to be fair......with the opinions on this post ive decided to knuckle down again, even thinking of getting a personal coach

**pappybay** · 07-06-2013, 10:58 AM

Originally Posted by energizer bunny

my split at the min is 50 carbs, 30 protein, 20 fats at 2000 cals.......I am training very intensely mate, lots of HI cardio mma/muay thai and also strength training, training 2 x per day somedays. so trying to balance weight loss with recovery!

to honest I have not been very motivated since learning I had low test, because I thought I was wasteing my time, in turn eating a bit shit to be fair......with the opinions on this post ive decided to knuckle down again, even thinking of getting a personal coach

I am on TRT and eating above maintenance level to put on muscle mass. Despite this I have not picked up any additional body fat (purely anecdotal). IT is probably a real challenge (and discipline) to add muscle mass and drop body fat. I have not found the secret...yet.