Whether you're looking to be buff or just lessen those love handles, weight loss for men can be a challenge. You may have tried diets, reducing your portion size, and doing strength training. But still, you're having trouble getting the pounds to budge.
Male weight management blood tests can help. They give you a chance to look under the hood and see what's really going on. They can highlight conditions and imbalances that could be standing between you and a healthy weight.
Let's take a closer look at blood tests for weight loss, specifically to help men.
What is Weight Management in Men?
Weight management refers to maintaining a healthy weight. Some of us are overweight, while others are underweight. The goal for all of us should be to maintain a healthy weight long-term.
Many men are looking to achieve a healthy weight, and it's not just because of societal pressure to look a certain way. Maintaining a healthy weight is associated with all kinds of health benefits. These include a strong circulatory system, a lower likelihood of many diseases, and an overall better sense of well-being.
Risk Factors for Not Managing One’s Weight in Men
While many people would like to lower their weight, being underweight is not good for health and wellness. Among other things, being underweight puts you at risk of:
- malnutrition - serious deficiencies of essential nutrients
- compromised immune system
- brittle bones from too little calcium and vitamin D
On the other hand, there are many risks associated with being overweight or obese. These include:
- hypertension
- type 2 diabetes
- stroke
- heart disease
With a good program of male weight management, you can avoid the risks associated with being underweight or overweight. Lab tests can form an important part of healthy living.
Causes of Being Overweight or Underweight in Men
We have always been told that weight management is about diet and exercise, and while they are certainly key parts of the equation, there are other factors that impact male weight management.
Hyperthyroidism is a condition that can cause men to become underweight. You may have unexplained weight loss even though your appetite and diet are normal. Other symptoms include irregular heartbeat, fatigue, and muscle weakness.
Men who are overweight may have low testosterone levels. This causes an increase in body fat. High levels of the stress hormone cortisol have also been linked to weight gain.
A vitamin D deficiency can cause low mood and depression. These are risk factors for developing obesity.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Being Overweight or Underweight in Men?
Whether a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese depends on their Body Mass Index or BMI. This tool assigns you a number based on your current weight and height.
A man is medically underweight if his BMI is below 18.5. A man is medically overweight if his BMI is 25.0 - 39.9 and is obese if it is 30.0 or above.
It is possible to have a normal BMI but still have a level of body fat that is unhealthy.
The symptoms of being underweight include loss of appetite, feeling tired all the time, difficulty concentrating, rapid, unplanned weight loss, and thinning hair. You may also find that your weight is not stable and that you don't feel good after eating.
The symptoms of being overweight are having too much fat on the body, especially around the abdominal area. It can lead to breathing difficulties, greater perspiration, sleeping difficulties, and reduced mobility and stamina.
How Is Weight Management in Men Performed with Lab Tests?
You can have a blood test for weight loss at a walk-in clinic. All blood tests for weight management look at your blood count to see if there are any imbalances. A low iron level, causing anemia, could affect your metabolism.
Your doctor will use your results to give an initial picture of any physiological reasons for problems in losing or gaining weight. On a long-term basis, regular blood tests can monitor improvements or areas for further work. The goal is to keep you in optimal health, not just at a healthy weight.
The Lab Tests to Screen, Diagnose, and Monitor Weight Management in Men
The first blood test to take for weight management for men is the Weight Management (Men) - Basic panel. This checks 64 biomarkers and includes a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel.
Among many other things, this tests blood glucose levels, a key marker for diabetes. Diabetes is a major cause of problems in weight management for men.
The Lipid Panel with Ratios analysis the cholesterol levels in the body. Along with liver function tests, as your weight management improves, these tests will help you see if levels are improving. This makes it a useful test for ongoing monitoring.
The Weight Management (Men) - Basic Plus includes the TSH test. This tests for levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone in the blood. This can help your doctor determine whether you have a healthy thyroid.
The Baseline Biomarkers - Advanced panel addresses a wider range of issues affecting weight management. It takes a deeper look at thyroid function, testosterone and DHEA Sulfate, and cardiovascular health.
The Weight Management (Men) - Comprehensive panel takes the most thorough look. It tests all systems impacting male weight management. This will give your doctor the best chance of diagnosing any issues that may be affecting you.
Frequently Asked Questions about Weight Management in Men and Lab Testing for Weight Management in Men
Weight management for men is a hot topic, and many people scour the internet looking for answers. The most common FAQs are:
How can a man lose weight?
This involves first knowing your own health and whether you have any conditions that are holding you back. Take lab tests and consult with your doctor for their advice on the right treatment, diet, and exercise to help you to reach your weight goals.
What is healthy weight management?
This is a lifestyle, that includes healthy eating, exercise, good sleep, and a balanced approach to stress.
What labs determine weight gain?
The starting point for lab tests for obesity are fasting lipid panel and liver function tests. Fasting glucose and thyroid function tests are also essential for ruling out diabetes and thyroid issues.
Take Control with Male Weight Management Blood Tests
Male weight management doesn't have to be a guessing game. Underlying factors may be holding you back, and it may be a relatively simple fix. Take control with lab tests and a follow-up consultation with your doctor.
Ulta Lab Tests offers tests that are highly accurate and reliable so you can make informed decisions about your health. Here are a few great things to love about Ulta Lab Tests:
- You'll get secure and confidential results
- You don't need health insurance
- You don't need a physician's referral
- You'll get affordable pricing
- We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee
Order your male weight management lab tests today and your results will be provided to you securely and confidentially online in 24 to 48 hours for most tests. Take control with Ulta Lab Tests today!
