Men going through Andropause experience many side effects, like decreased sexual drive, increased urinary frequency (especially at night) impaired memory and changes in body shape. This can cause Andropausal men to experience reduced muscle mass and increased body fat, due to loss of strength, endurance and vitality levels.
 
Psychological Effects of Increased Body Fat: Andropause Anxiety

A common enough problem with men experiencing Andropause, the subsequent increase in body fat that accompanies Andropause is directly related to decreased ability to handle stress, mood swings, irritability, depression and a slump in a man’s overall sense of well being.
 
The Connection between Obesity, Estrogen and Male menopause

Doctors reveal that, in many cases, men going through Andropause are susceptible to obesity, especially in the abdominal area. This is largely attributed to the imbalance in the testosterone production. In simpler terms, what actually happens to Andropausal males is that their fat cells contain large amounts of the aromatase enzyme and estrogen is stored and manufactured in fat.
 
These fat cells synthesize the aromatase enzyme, causing male hormones to be converted to estrogen. Therefore, any increase in fat will cause estrogen levels to go up. Eating high-fat foods may reduce the levels of active testosterone, existing freely in a man’s body and meals containing excess fat have the damaging effect of reducing these levels for about 4 hours.
 
Central Obesity of the Increased Body Fat during Andropause: A Largely Prevalent Reality for Men
 
A potbelly is a reality for many Andropausal men, but what is more alarming is that this increased body fat has been established as a big risk factor for cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes. This Testosterone Syndrome results in slower metabolism or breakdown of estrogen and therefore, increased estrogen levels in the body.
 
Dietary Debates and Increased Body Fat: Male Menopausal Symptoms and Treatment Options
 
Substances that increase the enzyme system and decrease estrogen levels include high-dose vitamin C-1-3 grams, niacin (all the B vitamins are valuable during Andropause), soy protein, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower), oysters and grape seed extract.   
 
Many men can help restore a proper testosterone/estrogen balance through supplementation of zinc (citrate or chelate), at a suggested dose of 30 to 90 mg. per day for a period of six months, advise doctors. However, it is always prudent to check your own physical balance need by consulting your personal healthcare provider, who can help you maintain a youthful level of free testosterone and many health benefits through expert guidance and dedicated efforts on your part. 

Male menopause Effect: Increased Body Fat A Subsequent Health Risk-How to Counter It

Andropause can affect men in two ways, physical and psychological. As a man's testosterone levels drop, it leads to decreased muscle mass, increased body fat levels, particularly around the stomach, decreased bone mineral density which puts them at risk of osteoporosis and other related problems like loss of hair, decreased sexual desire and functioning. To counter these, it is very important for Andropausal men to realize that there are remedial measures they can take to counter it.
 
A specialized diet and regular physical exercise, in particular resistance training, has many benefits for male menopause because it can halt and reverse some of the changes associated with this condition. Benefits of resistance training are greater muscle mass, elevated testosterone levels, stronger bones, decreased body fat levels, improved cardiovascular system and reduced levels of depression.

Information in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice.  

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