A question for/about obese MEN

[Sheepie]

My dh and I did Atkins quite successfully 3 years ago. I've been back on Atkins since March. My dh had a false start, but has now been back on for several weeks. He probably needs to lose 100+ lbs. I've noticed something with him both times, but I don't know if it's related to Atkins. He seems much more emotional. Have any other men experienced this? I think weight loss can affect hormones. Isn't estrogen stored in fat? Anyway, he seems to have certain PMS tendancies!!! Has anyone else noticed this? Will it go away or stabilize? I mentioned it to him and he thinks I'm imagining things. Any thoughts?

[TitianWasp]

Accumulated fat tends to have a supression effect on testosterone, with rates in obese men up to 25% lower than those in men of average weight. As men gain body fat, their fat cells manufacture an enzyme called aromatase which is responsible for converting testosterone into estrogen. The more fat they accumulate, the more estrogen is produced.

As your husband loses weight, presumably these levels begin to change. I don't know if the hormones are released into the bloodstream or not, but their production changes and as we all know, when your levels of testosterone and estrogen change, in either direction, your moods do too.

[*Emma*]

I dunno the answer, but i feel for you.

[Einy]

For me, I have been noticing almost the same thing for some time now (close to 8 months or so and way before starting Atkins) and was not getting any better at all.. My muscle tissues in the breast area were getting softer and I knew there was something wrong.

I had some blood work done including hormonal balance check last year, and all was fine. Been to the doctor early November this year (before starting Atkins) and did some blood work found a significant drop in my T level and considerable increase in my E1 and E2.. To cut the story short, the endocrinologist related that to my obesity and advised to start loosing weight as a start.

So, my conclusion is that, I am not sure that any of such symptoms you are describing has anything to do with Atkins. I actually after almost one month in Atkins now, feel much better and feel more emotionally stable (first week was horrible though); but that’s me anyway, every person is different.

Read this article for more insight in the matter...

http://chetday.com/bellyfat.htm

If you are still concerned, I would consult a physican.. an endocrinologist may be.

[julirama723]

When fat is lost/burned, estrogen is released. This causes hormonal shifts/fluctuations, and in women, can upset the menstrual cycle. I'm assuming these hormonal shifts are what's happening in your dh. But, if you're still concerned, have him see an endocrinologist.

[Hudson]

As a male that started out about where he is weight wise, I can remember a few emotional times that were a little weird to me. I don't remember exactly where they were in my weight loss journey (3 1/2 years now), but I do remember crying during a movie and wondering if it was really that good of a movie.

But I'm a little more emotional than the average male to begin with.

Just give him a hug!!!! He will be all right.

[D14965]

Just dont offer him chocolate during those "PMS" times !!!!!

[matawguro]

Personally, I don't remember being more emotional when I started on Atkins. I do remember having an increased libido, though I think that was due to working out more.

How old is your husband? I don't know if age has anything to do with it but I have seen men in their 50s starting to get a bit emotional regardless of diet.

[Sheepie]

Thanks for the responses. He's 47yrs.

[Chopper9994]

I can certainly relate to this thread but I'm not sure if I have the right answer. I myself have noticed a definite increase in my sensitivity to emotional situations i.e. sad parts in movies etc. I figured it was due to getting older but now that I think about it, it started a few years ago about the same time I entered into that horrible place we know as "morbidly obese"... 100+ pounds overweight.

Anyway, I've never had my testosterone checked but I sure know my libido was pretty much ZERO which is a very traumatic situation for any man regardless of age. I also attributed that to getting older too but I'm here to tell you that it's back with a vengeance now that I've lost several pounds and also lifting weights on a regular basis .

As far as my increased emotions go, I simply thought that it was a combination of all things obese: Severely overweight with no end in sight, depression, zero libido, hopelessness, turning 45, self disgust etc. Jeeezzz it's no wonder a person isn't crying 24 hours a day in this type of situation!!

But thanks to this WOE, I literally feel as if I've been re-born but dang it if I don't still get a little misty during sad movies!!