Ninth International Conference on Food Studies

Abstract

Testosterone has been associated with health and athletic performance. However, it is also known to decrease with age in a condition called hypogonadism. The rise of these age-related, non-communicable diseases affect economic growth. To discover safe and sustainable fitness and nutrition programs for the aging population, the present study explores weight training and diet as possible factors affecting hormonal levels and responses among men. Twelve recreationally trained men of different ages (20s to 70s) and diets (vegans and meat eaters) completed a 30-minute weight training protocol. Blood samples were taken before and after exercise to determine exercise-induced changes in total testosterone (TT). Additional hormonal tests for cortisol (C) and testosterone-cortisol ratio (T/C) were conducted for outliers to guide future research. Pretest-posttest analysis showed a statistically significant increase in TT within subjects; t(11)=-3.842, p=0.003. Younger men (35 years old and below) had a significantly greater increase in TT compared to older men (40 years old and above); X²(1)=4.121, p=0.042. Age group was negatively correlated with TT increase (r=-0.622, p=0.031). Compared to meat eaters, vegans showed a consistently higher and almost significantly different TT in both pretest and posttest. A single session of 30-minute, moderate intensity leg exercise can significantly increase blood serum TT in men across age groups and diets. Younger men tend to show greater increases in TT. Further studies are needed to explore veganism as a healthier and more environmentally sustainable diet.