Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a gonadotropin secreted by the gonadotropic cells of the anterior pituitary gland. It plays a key role in regulating the growth, development, pubertal maturation, and reproductive processes of the body. Along with these necessary functions it performs, it has now also been linked with weight gain.
(Source: https://study.com/cimages/multimages/16/fsh_release_in_females.png)
In mice, blocking of FSH led to the loss of belly fat and increased activity. Reduced bone loss and more burning of calories were observed as well. Interestingly in human females approaching menopause, the levels of FSH shoots up and exactly the opposite signs are seen. These are weight gain and loss in bone density (low bone density).
Although these results are seen in mice they could very well be similar in case of humans. If so, this suggests that this hormone could be responsible for weight gain in spite of a healthy diet and exercise.
But what about males ??? FSH plays a crucial role in the initiation of spermatogenesis but will its blockage also have similar effects on male? Should male also get an FSH test as they age? One doesn’t know for certain.
Also, will artificially reducing the levels of FSH (to prevent weight gain) be a safe practice? Couldn’t it have more adverse effects than benefits?
Reference:
www.delish.com/food-news/news/a55518/hormone-weight-gain
