When most men think low testosterone (hypogonadism)they think about symptoms like low libido, fatigue or difficulty building muscle.
But what many don’t realize is that low testosterone can quietly change your body composition long before obvious symptoms appear.
Research shows that men with low testosterone tend to lose lean muscle mass, gain body fat, especially dangerous visceral fat around organs and decreases strength, metabolic health, and even bone density. These changes can increase the risk of obesity, frailty, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Why testosterone matters for body composition
Testosterone plays a critical role in helping men:
- Build and maintain muscle mass
- Support healthy metabolism
- Reduce fat accumulation
- Maintaining bone strength
- Maintain natural performance
When testosterone levels drop, the body shifts in the opposite direction. Studies have shown that men with hypogonadism often experience a decrease in lean body mass and an increase in body fat, particularly visceral fat stored deep in the abdomen. This type of fat is closely linked to insulin resistance, inflammation and the risk of heart disease.
The scale problem
A standard scale can’t tell you what kind of weight you’re gaining or losing.
You could weigh the same as you did five years ago, while having much more body fat and less muscle. This is why many men feel weaker, slower or less energetic despite seeing little change in their overall weight.
Understanding you body composition it’s often more valuable than just keeping track of the pounds on a scale.
How a DEXA scan measures what matters
A DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan. is considered one of the most accurate tools available for assessing body composition. It can accurately measure:
- Lean muscle mass
- Total body fat percentage
- Visceral fat levels
- Bone mineral density
- Local distribution of fat throughout the body
Unlike BMI, which only looks at height and weight, a DEXA scan provides a complete picture of what’s going on beneath the surface. The scan is quick, non-invasive and exposes patients to very little radiation.
What men with low testosterone often discover
Many men are surprised by what their DEXA results reveal.
Even active men may discover:
- Visceral fat higher than expected
- Loss of muscle mass despite regular exercise
- Early changes in bone mineral density
- Body composition patterns associated with metabolic disease
These findings can help explain symptoms that blood work alone does not fully capture.
Can Testosterone Replacement Therapy Improve Body Composition?
The evidence shows that Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) may help improve body composition in appropriately selected men with testosterone deficiency.
Clinical studies have shown that TRT can:
- Increase lean muscle mass
- Reduce body fat
- Lower waist circumference
- Improve physical function and strength
The greatest improvements are often seen in men with more significant testosterone deficiency. However, successful treatment should always be combined with proper diet, exercise, sleep and constant monitoring.
Take a data-driven approach to men’s health
If you’re struggling with symptoms of low testosterone, unexplained weight gain, decreased strength, or difficulty building muscle, understanding your body composition can provide valuable insights.
At Maze Men’s Health, we take a holistic approach to men’s wellness. Through our branch Maze Medical Fitness Testingwe offer advanced DEXA scans that measure body fat, muscle mass, visceral fat and bone health, giving you a clearer picture of your overall health and helping to guide personalized treatment decisions.
Whether you’re considering TRT, optimizing your fitness goals, or simply want to understand how your body changes with age, a DEXA scan can provide the objective data you need to take action.
Learn more about Maze Medical Fitness Testing and schedule your DEXA scan today.
Sources:
Delbarba A, et al. Body composition in male hypogonadism: Practical considerations for the use of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders. 2026.
