The study highlighted that high-fat diets affect the hypothalamus and subsequently lowers sperm count and testosterone levels
Published Jul 21, 2024 | 7:00 AM ⚊ Updated Jul 21, 2024 | 7:00 AM
Obesity in males, researchers said, is linked to hypogonadism, a condition marked by low testosterone levels and reduced sperm count. (Creative Commons)
A recent study has highlighted a critical link between obesity and reduced sperm count, focusing on how the brain’s function is involved.
The study by researchers at the University of California Riverside and published in the Journal of Neuroscience could have significant implications for India, where obesity rates are rising.
Recently, Dr Sunita Sayammagaru, diabetologist and sexual health specialist from Hyderabad, spoke about increasing male infertility rates in South Indian states.
“There are many reasons for this: Late marriage, not wanting to start a family immediately… As males age, the sperm quality starts to decline. Smoking, alcohol intake, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, obesity, lack of nutritious food, stress, environmental toxins, chemicals, and pollutants, add to it,” she said on X.
Obesity in males, researchers said, is linked to hypogonadism, a condition marked by low testosterone levels and reduced sperm count.
Researchers said that the hypothalamus, a crucial brain region that controls essential behaviours like eating and reproduction, communicates with the pituitary gland, which then tells the body to produce hormones necessary for reproduction, like testosterone in men.
The researchers used mice, fed with a high-fat diet to mimic human obesity. It was to understand how obesity impairs the hypothalamus, particularly focusing on gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons that regulate luteinizing hormone.
The study revealed that a high-fat diet led to persistent changes in the hypothalamus. These changes disrupt normal signalling, causing the brain to fail to send the correct messages about energy levels and hormone production.
Disrupted hypothalamic function resulted in lower testosterone levels and reduced sperm counts in mice. These findings highlighted how brain function directly impacts reproductive health.
Consistent with the findings in obese humans, the study showed that obese mice had lower luteinizing hormone (LH) which controls testosterone production.
Lead researcher Djurdjica Coss stated in a media release that the brain, particularly the hypothalamus, rather than the testes or pituitary gland, is the primary site where obesity interferes with reproduction.
Malfunctioning neurons lead to decreased hormone levels and impaired sperm production.
While these findings are significant and anecdotally relate to clinical settings, however, more research is needed to fully understand how obesity impacts reproductive health and to explore potential solutions.
India is experiencing a surge in obesity, especially in urban areas. This trend could significantly affect male fertility, as suggested by the study’s findings.
Understanding the brain’s role in obesity-related fertility issues can inform public health strategies in India. Addressing obesity through diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes could help improve reproductive health outcomes.
Meanwhile, doctors suggested that further studies are needed to explore how these findings apply to humans and to develop targeted interventions for obesity-related fertility problems.
(Edited by Majnu Babu)
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