The Journal of Practical Medicine ›› 2026, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (7): 1272-1279.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-5725.2026.07.021

• Chronic Disease Control • Previous Articles    

Differential effects of semaglutide on gonadal function in male obesity-associated secondary hypogonadism versus simple obesity

Yunchong GUO,Fangping LI,Xinwei HUANG,Lijun SHEN,Yaqing WEN,Zhen ZHANG()   

  1. Department of Endocrinology,The Seventh Affiliated Hospital,Sun Yat-sen University,Shenzhen 518107,Guangdong,China
  • Received:2026-03-11 Revised:2026-03-20 Accepted:2026-03-20 Online:2026-04-10 Published:2026-04-13
  • Contact: Zhen ZHANG E-mail:zhangzhen@sysush.com

Abstract:

Objective To investigate the differential effects of semaglutide on gonadal function between men with male obesity-associated secondary hypogonadism (MOSH) and those with simple obesity. Methods A total of 37 obese male patients, with a body mass index (BMI) of 28 kg/m2 or higher and a waist circumference exceeding 90 cm, were recruited and divided into the MOSH group and the simple obesity group based on their baseline total testosterone levels. All patients underwent a 24-week intervention with semaglutide. The changes in the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) score, sex hormone levels, and semen parameters were compared between the two groups both before and after treatment. Results After treatment, the BMI, waist circumference, and visceral fat area in both groups were significantly reduced compared to the baseline values. In the MOSH group, the IIEF-5 score, total testosterone level, and progressive sperm motility all showed significant increases (all P < 0.05). Meanwhile, no significant alterations were detected in the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or luteinizing hormone (LH) levels (both P > 0.05). Correlation analysis indicated that in the MOSH group, the increase in total testosterone was significantly and positively correlated with the reduction in visceral fat area (r = 0.406, P = 0.013). In the simple obesity group, only the LH level decreased significantly after treatment (P < 0.05), and there were no significant changes in other gonadal function indicators or semen parameters (all P > 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that the baseline total testosterone level was an influencing factor for the change in total testosterone after treatment. Conclusions Semaglutide effectively enhances gonadal function and sperm quality in patients with MOSH. However, it has limited impacts on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in men with simple obesity without hypogonadism. Semaglutide can potentially be a therapeutic option for patients with MOSH.

Key words: hypogonadism, obesity, semaglutide, testosterone, sperm motility

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