Body Composition on TRT

Are you putting in the hours at the gym and meticulously tracking your diet, but still not seeing the results you want? For many men, the struggle to simultaneously build muscle and lose fat—a process known as body recomposition—can feel like an uphill battle. You might be surprised to learn that a key player in this process could be working against you: your testosterone levels.

What is Body Recomposition?

Body recomposition is the holy grail of fitness: losing body fat and gaining muscle mass at the same time. It’s about changing your physique, not just the number on the scale. This process requires a delicate balance of targeted training, precise nutrition, and, crucially, an optimal hormonal environment.

The Unseen Barrier: The Role of Testosterone

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, but its role extends far beyond the bedroom. It is a powerful anabolic hormone, meaning it plays a vital role in building and maintaining muscle mass. Research has consistently shown that Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) improves muscle mass and strength in men with low testosterone (hypogonadism) [6].

Furthermore, testosterone influences how your body stores fat. Low testosterone is associated with increased fat mass and insulin resistance [12]. Conversely, studies have demonstrated that TRT can significantly reduce fat mass in hypogonadal men [13]. If your testosterone levels are suboptimal, your body may be predisposed to storing fat and have a harder time building lean muscle, no matter how hard you work.

Are Your Testosterone Levels Holding You Back?

Low testosterone is more common than you might think. In the United Kingdom, it is estimated that 8-12% of men aged 40-69 have a testosterone deficiency [1]. Some reports suggest that as many as 20% of UK men over 50 are affected, yet a staggering 99% of them may not receive a proper diagnosis [2]. With average testosterone levels in men declining by approximately 1% per year, this is a growing concern for men of all ages who want to be at their best [5].

Common symptoms extend beyond the gym, and can include:

• Low libido and reduced erectile function [15]
• Persistent fatigue and low energy levels [3]
• Mood swings and irritability
• Difficulty concentrating

Take Control of Your Hormonal Health

Written by Dr. Raphael Olaiya, a UK-based General Practitioner and expert in Testosterone Replacement Therapy, this guide is designed to empower you with evidence-based information. Dr. Olaiya is dedicated to helping men understand and optimise their health safely and effectively.

The first step to taking control is to know your numbers. You can’t fix a problem you don’t know you have. A simple blood test is the only way to accurately determine your testosterone levels and see if they are in the optimal range for your health and fitness goals.

Ready to take control of your health? Find out your testosterone levels with our simple and discreet at-home blood test kit. Order yours today and start your journey to a new you.

Order Your Testosterone Blood Test Kit Now

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About the Author

Dr. Raphael Olaiya is a UK-based General Practitioner and a specialist in Testosterone Replacement Therapy. With years of experience helping men optimise their health, Dr. Olaiya is dedicated to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based care. (GMC No. 7492303)

References

[1] Awareness and prevalence of the symptoms of testosterone deficiency in men in the United Kingdom: a cross-sectional survey – BMJ Open 2025
[2] Why are we missing the diagnosis of low testosterone in men? – Dr Jeff Foster
[3] The 10 signs of testosterone deficiency all men need to know – Telegraph 2025
[4] Low Testosterone in Men Over 70 – Goldman Laboratories
[5] Why do Gen Z and Millennial men have lower testosterone? – Medichecks
[6] Benefits and Risks of Testosterone Treatment in Older Men – PMC 2009
[7] Testosterone Treatment in Older Men – TTrials / JCI 2021
[8] Testosterone treatment and bone mineral density in men with low testosterone levels – VA Research 2017
[9] Effects of Testosterone Replacement on Bone Mineral Density in Hypogonadal Men – JCEM 1997
[10] Testosterone and Fractures in Men – NEJM 2024
[11] Cardiovascular Safety of Testosterone-Replacement Therapy – NEJM 2023 – TRAVERSE Trial
[12] Testosterone and metabolic syndrome: a meta-analysis study – PMC 2010
[13] The effect of testosterone replacement therapy on body composition and metabolism in men with hypogonadism – Frontiers Endocrinology 2023
[14] The role of testosterone in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus – ScienceDirect 2016
[15] British Society for Sexual Medicine Guidelines on Adult Testosterone Deficiency, with a Focus on Male Sexual Dysfunction – British Society for Sexual Medicine Guidelines 2023
[17] UK Testosterone Statistics – Forth with Life