An interdisciplinary weight loss and lifestyle intervention increases circulating testosterone concentrations and improves scores on the intimate relationships and sexual activity subdomain of the FOSQ in men with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea.
In a randomized trial of 89 men with overweight/obesity and moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, an 8-week interdisciplinary weight loss and lifestyle intervention led to higher plasma testosterone at 8 weeks (between-group difference 77.6 ng/dL, p=0.042) and at 6 months (90.4 ng/dL, p=0.027) compared to usual care. FOSQ intimate relationships and sexual activity scores also improved at both time points (1.0 and 0.8 points, p<0.005). Changes correlated with favorable changes in sleep quality, body weight, and body composition.
This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.
An interdisciplinary weight loss and lifestyle intervention increases circulating testosterone concentrations and improves scores on the intimate relationships and sexual activity subdomain of the FOSQ in men with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea. The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 44/100 (low).
The Claim
An interdisciplinary weight loss and lifestyle intervention increases circulating testosterone concentrations and improves scores on the intimate relationships and sexual activity subdomain of the FOSQ in men with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea.
This conclusion is most relevant to: Men with overweight or obesity and moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (n=89).
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Impact of an interdisciplinary weight loss and lifestyle intervention on testosterone and scores for sexual activity on the FOSQ in men with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea: secondary analyses of data from the INTERAPNEA randomized trial. (Maturitas, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Intervention reduces body weight and improves body composition
- ▸Improved sleep quality and reduced apnea severity
- ▸Favorable metabolic and hormonal changes
- ▸Increased circulating testosterone and improved sexual activity scores
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Men with overweight or obesity and moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (n=89)
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸FOSQ intimate relationships and sexual activity subdomain does not assess erectile function, libido, hypogonadal symptoms, or validated multidimensional domains of male sexual function
- ▸Findings are considered exploratory due to the secondary analysis nature and lack of comprehensive endocrine profiling
- ▸Small sample size (n=89) and single-center design may limit generalizability
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main finding of the INTERAPNEA trial regarding testosterone?▼
The intervention group showed significantly higher plasma testosterone levels at 8 weeks and 6 months compared to usual care, with between-group differences of 77.6 ng/dL and 90.4 ng/dL, respectively.
Did the intervention improve sexual activity scores?▼
Yes, scores on the intimate relationships and sexual activity subdomain of the FOSQ increased significantly in the intervention group at both 8 weeks and 6 months.
What population was studied in this trial?▼
Men with overweight or obesity and moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, with a total sample size of 89 participants.
What are the limitations of this study?▼
The sexual activity measure used (FOSQ subdomain) does not assess erectile function, libido, or validated male sexual function domains. The findings are exploratory, and the study lacked comprehensive endocrine profiling.
References
- 1.Herrera-Quintana L, Vázquez-Lorente H, Ruiz JR, Amaro-Gahete FJ, Carneiro-Barrera A. “Impact of an interdisciplinary weight loss and lifestyle intervention on testosterone and scores for sexual activity on the FOSQ in men with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea: secondary analyses of data from the INTERAPNEA randomized trial..” Maturitas, 2026. PMID: 42456328 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2026.109045