Increased body fat especially around the abdomen despite consistent exercise

Increasing abdominal fat - even with consistent exercise - is one of the most metabolically significant consequences of declining testosterone in men. It also creates a self-reinforcing cycle: excess belly fat increases aromatase enzyme activity, which converts testosterone to estrogen and further suppresses testosterone production. At Renew Health and Wellness, we break this cycle with hormonal and metabolic treatment.

Dr. Jennifer Redmond, CNP, DNP evaluates abdominal fat accumulation through a comprehensive hormonal and metabolic assessment. Central (belly) fat in men is almost always hormonally and metabolically driven - not simply a calorie problem. Her evaluation includes:

• Testosterone and estradiol levels

• Thyroid function

• Fasting insulin, glucose, and HbA1c (blood sugar markers)

• Cortisol patterns and inflammatory markers

Bio-identical testosterone therapy is the primary and most evidence-backed treatment for reducing visceral fat in testosterone-deficient men. Clinical studies consistently show reductions in waist circumference and fat mass alongside improvements in lean muscle and insulin sensitivity as testosterone is restored. Estradiol management is prioritized alongside testosterone to prevent the conversion of testosterone to estrogen, which would otherwise slow body composition improvements.

Metabolic support is incorporated alongside hormonal therapy and may include nutritional strategies for insulin sensitivity, GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide when insulin resistance is a major driver, and targeted exercise guidance. Peptide therapy with CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin may be added to further support fat metabolism and lean mass through growth hormone stimulation. Abdominal fat in men is a hormonal and metabolic problem - and at Renew Health and Wellness, we treat it as such.