New research suggests that GLP-1 medications, commonly used for weight loss, might improve male fertility. This finding was presented at ENDO 2026, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in Chicago, where experts examined the link between obesity and fertility issues in men.
Obesity can disrupt the hormone system known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which controls testosterone production. This disruption can result in functional hypogonadism, a condition characterized by abnormally low testosterone levels. Such hormonal changes may adversely affect semen quality.
GLP-1 Medications: An Overview
A systematic review analyzed the impact of GLP-1 weight-loss medications on reproductive hormones and metabolic health in men aged 18 to 65. The examination focused on testosterone levels, brain hormones relevant to testosterone and sperm production, and proteins carrying sex hormones in the blood. Researchers also assessed semen quality, weight, BMI, cholesterol, and blood sugar among the participants.
Key Findings from the Studies
Findings indicate that GLP-1 medications do not suppress male hormones. Instead, men with obesity and low testosterone related to obesity might see improvements in testosterone levels, sperm quality, and overall metabolic health.
In one study lasting four weeks, dulaglutide did not significantly alter reproductive hormones or sexual function. Another 16-week trial found liraglutide enhanced hormonal profiles in obese men with functional hypogonadism. This study showed better health outcomes with liraglutide compared to traditional hormone replacement therapy.
Additional research on liraglutide demonstrated improvements in sperm concentration and count. A 24-week trial with semaglutide, branded as Ozempic and Wegovy, showed progress in sperm shape and reductions in bad cholesterol while maintaining overall testosterone levels.
Need for Further Research
Given the limited number of trials included in the review, further research is necessary to strengthen the evidence linking GLP-1 medications to male fertility improvements. Larger trials explicitly designed to evaluate male reproductive outcomes are needed.
Dr. Anthony Puopolo, a men’s health expert and lead medical provider for RexMD, highlighted these findings in an interview. He emphasized the potential of GLP-1 medications as an alternative to testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for obese men with low testosterone, as GLP-1s may preserve fertility while TRT might harm reproductive functions.