From the Research
Effects of OMAD on Serum Testosterone Levels
- Consuming one meal per day (OMAD) is a form of intermittent fasting, and its effects on serum testosterone levels have been studied in various research papers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
- A review of human trials on intermittent fasting found that it decreases androgen markers, including testosterone, in premenopausal females with obesity and in lean, physically active, young males 1.
- However, another study found that increased physical activity has a greater effect than reduced energy intake on lifestyle modification-induced increases in testosterone, suggesting that the relationship between OMAD and testosterone levels may be complex 2.
- Some studies have investigated the effects of glucose ingestion and meal composition on testosterone levels, finding that oral glucose load and mixed meal feeding can lower testosterone levels in healthy eugonadal men 3, 4, 5.
- The evidence suggests that OMAD may reduce serum testosterone levels, at least in certain populations, but more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between OMAD and testosterone levels 1, 5.
Population-Specific Effects
- In premenopausal females with obesity, OMAD may decrease androgen markers, including testosterone, which could have implications for reproductive health 1.
- In lean, physically active, young males, OMAD may also reduce testosterone levels, but this effect may not be negative, as muscle mass and muscular strength were not negatively affected 1.
- In healthy eugonadal men, glucose load and mixed meal feeding can lower testosterone levels, suggesting that OMAD may have similar effects 5.
Mechanisms and Implications
- The mechanisms by which OMAD affects testosterone levels are not fully understood, but may involve changes in glucose and insulin regulation, as well as other hormonal and metabolic factors 1, 3, 4, 5.
- The implications of OMAD on testosterone levels are complex and may depend on individual factors, such as age, sex, and health status 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.