< 1 Minute Lesezeit |

#100 - How Testosterone Changes Your Metabolism | Prof. Dr. Farid Saad on Men's Health

Men's health podcast

Men's health podcast

Expert knowledge on testosterone and men's health

Testosterone affects far more than just libido and muscle building: In this episode, Dr. Jonathan Apasu talks with Prof. Farid Saad about the crucial role of testosterone in metabolism, insulin resistance, prediabetes, diabetes, and obesity. Together, they explain why testosterone deficiency is often less a question of age and more a consequence of obesity, lack of exercise, and metabolic changes.

They also discuss the fascinating question of how testosterone therapy can improve sugar and fat metabolism, why muscle mass is so crucial for long-term health, and why modern weight-loss medications such as GLP-1 analogues can help with weight loss but may also cause the loss of valuable muscle mass.

 

Especially interesting: Prof. Saad explains why the combination of testosterone therapy and GLP-1 medications could be a promising approach for hypogonadal men with obesity in the future. 

 

Topics covered in this episode:

 

  • Why testosterone deficiency is often linked to obesity and insulin resistance

  • The close connection between testosterone, muscle mass, and fat metabolism

  • How testosterone can improve insulin resistance after just a few weeks

  • Prediabetes, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome: The role testosterone really plays

  • GLP-1 analogues such as Ozempic & Mounjaro: Opportunities, limitations, and side effects

  • Why muscle loss during weight loss is an underestimated problem

  • Why the combination of testosterone and GLP-1 analogues is so medically compelling

  • How muscle mass, metabolism, and health in old age are connected

 

If you want to understand why testosterone is a key factor in metabolic health, body composition, and healthy aging, then you should definitely listen to this episode. 

Links zum Podcast

Spotify Apple Music YouTube

Related articles

#117 - Wie Dein Stoffwechsel Dein Krebsrisiko bestimmt | Prof. Dr. Stephan Herzig bei Männergesundheit

#117 - How Your Metabolism Determines Your Cancer Risk | Prof. Dr. Stephan Herzig on Men's Health

Why are diabetes, obesity, and cancer more closely linked than many people think? In this episode, Prof. Dr. Stephan Herzig, head of the Helmholtz Diabetes Center and expert in diabetes and cancer, explains how metabolic disorders can influence the growth of tumor cells. This includes insulin, chronic inflammation, and the adipose tissue hormone leptin—but also how a healthy metabolism can help prevent disease.  

Learn more
#81 - Wie moderne Diagnostik Krankheiten entdeckt, bevor Du sie spürst | Dr. Hadi Saleh bei Männergesundheit

#81 - How modern diagnostics detect diseases before you feel them | Dr. Hadi Saleh on men's health

In this episode of the Men's Health Podcast, Dr. Jonathan Apasu and Dr. Hadi Saleh discuss one of the most exciting approaches in modern medicine: highly personalized preventive diagnostics. Dr. Saleh, former CEO of CeramTec and a passionate health missionary, decided to end his successful career in industry to return to direct patient care. His goal is to prevent diseases before they develop and to empower people to regain control over their long-term health. In the conversation, he explains how whole-body MRI, liquid biopsy, and comprehensive blood diagnostics help detect risks such as cancer, aneurysms, or cardiovascular diseases early on. He points out why false positives are discussed, but are no obstacle in informed hands, and how important it is to find the right balance between necessary screening and unnecessary diagnostics. Another focus is on functional measurements such as VO₂max and grip strength, two of the strongest markers for longevity. Hadi explains how these values are measured, why they are so meaningful, and which training methods, from Nordic 4x4 interval training to dead hangs and farmer's carries, bring the greatest improvements. The insights into genetic and pharmacogenetic analyses are also particularly valuable. Which genes influence the risk of Alzheimer's? For whom is BRCA relevant? Why do medications work worse or differently in some people? And how can these findings be used to specifically optimize treatment decisions? Finally, the conversation turns to the major lifestyle levers. Strength training to prevent sarcopenia, regular endurance exercise, consistent sleep, a high-fiber diet, less alcohol, social interaction, and mental stimulation. Dr. Saleh impressively shows that prevention does not have to be expensive, but requires knowledge, personal responsibility, and consistency. This episode provides one of the most comprehensive, modern, and medically sound perspectives on how men can secure their long-term health today. A must-listen for anyone who wants to understand how preventive medicine works in 2026 and how they can benefit from it themselves.

Learn more
#82 - Muskelaufbau, Fettverlust & Longevity - so geht's richtig | Johannes Walter bei Männergesundheit

#82 - Muscle building, fat loss & longevity - the right way to do it | Johannes Walter at Men's Health

In this episode of the men's health podcast, Dr. Jonathan Apasu talks with Johannes Walter, an experienced strength trainer and coach, about the crucial factors for sustainable muscle growth, effective fat loss, and long-term health. The focus is not on short-term aesthetics, but on strength training as a central lever for performance, hormonal balance, and longevity. At the beginning, Johannes talks about his personal start in strength training and his path to becoming a personal trainer. He explains why many men start with the desire for a better body, but stay with it in the long term for more energy, resilience, and health. He particularly highlights how training goals and priorities change with age – from an aesthetic focus in young years to efficiency, regeneration, and prevention later in life. A central part of the episode is dedicated to the most important principles of muscle growth. Johannes explains why training volume must be adjusted depending on training age, why regeneration is often underestimated, and what role protein plays in training and fat loss. In doing so, he debunks common fitness myths and shows why simple, consistently implemented fundamentals are more successful in the long term than complicated programs. Particularly exciting is the discussion about machine versus free weight training. Contrary to earlier teachings, Johannes shows that machines can be just as effective as free weights for pure muscle growth – while at the same time having a lower risk of injury. Especially for men who want to train efficiently and stay healthy in the long term, machines offer clear advantages, as they enable controlled training close to muscle failure without falling into dangerous form failure. The topic of fat loss is also treated in a practical way. Johannes explains why a calorie deficit is crucial, what role everyday movement plays, and why stress is often an underestimated factor for body fat, especially visceral fat. Diet trends, detox concepts, and fitness hypes are critically assessed and replaced by realistic, everyday-practical strategies. Another focus is on stress management, sleep, and men's health. Johannes emphasizes that sleep quality is one of the strongest levers for regeneration, testosterone levels, and performance. In addition, the topic of testosterone and TRT is contextualized – with a clear focus on lifestyle optimization before medical measures are considered. Finally, Johannes gives concrete, actionable tips for everyday life: sensible strength training with manageable time commitment, sufficient protein intake, regular movement, stress reduction, and consistent sleep prioritization. The episode is aimed at men who not only want to become stronger and fitter, but also want to stay healthy, high-performing, and resilient in the long term – without fitness myths, without ego, but with a sustainable training approach.

Learn more