Higher Body Fat Linked to Low Sperm Count, Testosterone. Here's Why

Higher body fat percentages are linked to lower sperm counts and changes in male reproductive hormones like testosterone, according to new research. A study involving 1,058 Danish men aged approximately 18 years and 9 months found that those with higher body fat percentages had a 23% lower sperm count compared to men with normal body fat levels.

Men with very high body fat percentages had a 15% lower sperm count than those with normal body fat percentages. The study also revealed that these men had lower sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and testosterone levels, along with imbalanced male reproductive hormones. Researchers suggest that measuring body fat percentage could be more effective in identifying men at risk for reduced fertility than using the more commonly used body mass index (BMI).

The study's lead author, Nis Brix, MD, emphasizes that maintaining a healthy body composition, rather than just a healthy weight-for-height, may be crucial for fertility. Urologist Philip Werthman, MD, notes that obesity can contribute to male infertility by converting testosterone into estrogen and directly impairing sperm production.

He stresses the importance of recognizing modern life's negative impact on male reproductive health and encourages men to obtain a semen analysis if they experience fertility issues.