New research presented at the Endocrine Society’s 2025 Annual Meeting (ENDO 2025) has revealed that tirzepatide—a medication originally developed for weight loss and type 2 diabetes—may offer surprising benefits for men suffering from both obesity and functional hypogonadism (low testosterone due to metabolic causes).
In a study of 83 men with obesity, insulin resistance, and symptoms of low testosterone (including erectile dysfunction), those treated with tirzepatide for just two months saw significantly greater improvements than those receiving traditional testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) or lifestyle changes alone.
How Tirzepatide Stacks Up Against Testosterone
Men treated with tirzepatide:
- Lost an average of 8.1% of their body weight, compared to just 2.4% with lifestyle intervention and 3.0% with testosterone therapy.
- Saw increased natural testosterone production, along with higher levels of LH and FSH—hormones essential to healthy testicular function.
- Reported improved erectile function, in some cases surpassing the results seen with testosterone therapy.
Most importantly, tirzepatide appears to restore the body’s hormonal signaling system rather than bypassing it like TRT does. Traditional testosterone therapy can suppress the body’s own hormone production, potentially worsening fertility or causing long-term dependency. Tirzepatide, in contrast, may address the root cause: metabolic dysfunction.
Why This Matters
Functional hypogonadism is increasingly common in men with obesity and insulin resistance. While testosterone therapy has long been the go-to treatment, it may not fully resolve symptoms—and it often comes with side effects. Tirzepatide, a GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, not only facilitates significant weight loss, but also appears to promote the body’s own testosterone production.
According to Dr. Rossella Cannarella, lead investigator on the study, this dual action means tirzepatide could become a first-line treatment option for men whose testosterone issues are rooted in metabolic health, rather than structural damage to the testes.
A New Approach to Men’s Hormonal Health
Endocrinologists are already taking notice. Dr. Olena Klindukhova from the Medical College of Wisconsin commented, “If there’s a patient who is open to it, I would personally go for GLP-1 over testosterone.” Her colleague, Dr. Maja Stefanovic-Racic, added that tirzepatide’s ability to improve erectile function is particularly compelling, as testosterone often falls short in this area for obese men.
The take-home message? Weight loss medications like tirzepatide may do more than trim your waistline—they could reset your hormonal health from the inside out. For men struggling with low testosterone, obesity, and sexual dysfunction, this could open the door to more effective, sustainable treatment options.
Thinking about a metabolic health reset? Talk to on of our providers to see if GLP-1 therapy like tirzepatide might be right for you. It could be the key to restoring more than just your hormones.