Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 10, 2026
Sample Preparation to Bioinformatics Analysis of DNA Methylation: Association Strategy for Obesity and Related Trait Studies
Published on: May 6, 2022
Associations between sex hormones and obesity-related indicators: results from the NHANES and Mendelian randomization
Yong Yuan1,2, Shuhao Cui3, Yingqi Hou4
1Clinical Research Unit, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Objective:
This study sought to explore the relationships between sex hormones and obesity-related markers, while utilizing Mendelian randomization (MR) to evaluate their causal links.
Methods:
Data from 5179 participants of the 2013-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analyzed. Multivariate linear regression and generalized additive models were utilized to examine linear and non-linear associations between sex hormones and obesity-related parameters. Causal inference was explored via a two-sample MR analysis, with inverse-variance weighting (IVW) as the primary approach.
Results:
Cross-sectional assessments showed that in males, testosterone levels, SHBG, and T/E2 ratio were negatively correlated with obesity, while estradiol displayed a non-linear, inverted U-shaped relationship. In females, estradiol and SHBG had negative associations with adiposity measures. MR analysis revealed that genetically increased Bio-T was associated with lower obesity risk in males, while SHBG showed a negative correlation with visceral and waist obesity. In females, Bio-T and FAI were associated with higher visceral adipose tissue volume and waist circumference, findings consistent with potential causal effects.
Conclusions:
Sex hormones show sex-specific associations with obesity. Testosterone is protective against obesity in males, whereas female hyperandrogenism elevates the risk of obesity, particularly central obesity. These results offer novel perspectives for obesity-related health interventions.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:24Obesity
01:22Target Cell Response to Hormones
Notably, the cellular response can be regulated by altering the number of receptors expressed in the cell. For example, prolonged exposure to elevated hormone levels results in a gradual decline or down-regulation in the number of receptors for that specific hormone on the cell surface. Conversely, in response to low hormone levels, cells may use up-regulation, producing an...
01:25Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Absorption and Distribution
01:30Regulation of Food Intake
01:28Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
01:24Gonadal and Placental Hormones
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair...