- Overweight boys are at higher risk of infertility
- Boys with normal weight have 1.5 times higher testicular volume
- Obesity rates continue to rise worldwide, so the link between a healthy weight during childhood and testicular function is an important one.
A study published in the European Journal of Endocrinology reveals that overweight boys are at a higher risk of infertility in adulthood due to lower testicular volume. The research, conducted at the University of Catania, involved 268 children and adolescents aged 2 to 18 years.
Findings show that boys with normal weight have 1.5 times higher testicular volume compared to their overweight or obese peers. Additionally, those with normal insulin levels have 1.5-2 times higher testicular volume than individuals with hyperinsulinemia or insulin resistance. Lower testicular volume is associated with poorer sperm production in adulthood, suggesting that weight loss could help prevent infertility later in life. As childhood obesity rates continue to rise worldwide, the study highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy weight during childhood to preserve testicular function in adulthood.
The Link Between Obesity and Infertility
Infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, with male infertility contributing to approximately fifty per cent of cases. Despite this, the reasons for male infertility often remain unclear. A German study evaluating over 20,000 male patients referred to a fertility centre found that no diagnosis could be made for about seventy per cent of them. Concurrently, research indicates a trend towards decreasing sperm concentration and total sperm count over the past fourty years.
Simultaneously, the prevalence of childhood obesity has increased globally, with an estimated sixty per cent of children expected to be obese by the age of 35. Italian surveys have also revealed testicular hypotrophy in almost a quarter of young men aged 18-19, putting their future fertility at risk. This study aimed to investigate the impact of obesity and obesity-related metabolic disorders on testicular growth in childhood, a topic not well understood.
Exploring the Relationship Between Testicular Volume and Insulin Resistance
Researchers at the University of Catania conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study on children and adolescents referred to the Unit of Pediatric Endocrinology for body weight control. They collected data on testicular volume, age, body mass index (BMI), and insulin resistance in the participants. The findings revealed that overweight or obese boys with hyperinsulinemia or insulin resistance had lower testicular volume than their healthy peers.
Dr. Alex Robles, a fertility expert at Columbia University Fertility Center, explained that “testicular volume does have a direct relationship to semen profiles and tends to be a good predictor of hormonal function,” adding that “infertile men on average have a smaller testicular volume compared to fertile men.” The study’s results suggest that controlling body weight in childhood could help maintain testicular function later in life and potentially prevent infertility.
Addressing Limitations and Future Research
While the study highlights the link between obesity, metabolism, and testicular volume, it has some limitations. Dr. Jagdish Khubchandani, a public health professor at New Mexico State University, pointed out that the study population was small and cross-sectional. Furthermore, the research did not establish a cause-and-effect relationship between testicular size, obesity, and infertility risk.
Dr. Robles also highlighted that “obesity can disrupt the hormones that help the testicles produce testosterone. Low testosterone is linked to decreased sperm production and decreased sperm quality.” More research is needed to confirm these results and explore whether weight loss is an effective treatment option for preventing infertility. Early childhood interventions may address obesity and related health issues, including reproductive health.
Weight Loss and Hormonal Health
Past research has shown that weight loss can improve the hormonal health of obese men by restoring natural testosterone levels, increasing testicular volume, and enhancing sperm production. This suggests that maintaining a healthy weight during childhood and adolescence could be a crucial prevention strategy for preserving testicular function and fertility in adulthood. As childhood obesity rates continue to rise, understanding the impact of obesity on testicular growth and fertility is essential to inform public health policies and early interventions.
