Obes Pillars

Testosterone therapy may help shift harmful visceral fat patterns after hip fracture in older women

March 20, 2026

In this sub-analysis of the STEP‑HI study, researchers evaluated whether adding topical testosterone to a 6‑month resistance‑exercise program could counter unhealthy adipose redistribution in older women recovering from hip fracture. Participants received either testosterone gel (EX+T; n=35; mean age, 79 years) or placebo (EX+P; n=31; mean age, 76 years), with adipose compartments measured by DXA. Total adipose tissue (TAT) changes were similar between groups (EX+P: 298 g; EX+T: 419 g; p=0.810), as were changes in appendicular adipose tissue (AAT) (EX+P: 52 g; EX+T: 39 g; p=0.810) and %AAT. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) mass also showed no significant between‑group difference. However, relative visceral fat percentage shifted in a favorable direction: %VAT increased in the placebo group (+3.51%) but decreased markedly with testosterone (–10.57%; p=0.004).

Clinical takeaway: For older women recovering from hip fracture, testosterone should not be used for weight or fat loss, but may be considered investigational for mitigating visceral fat accumulation when combined with structured exercise—pending further safety and outcomes data.

Source:

Earp JE, et al. (2026, January 12). Obes Pillars. Testosterone therapy effects adipose distribution in older females post hip-fracture: The STEP-HI study. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41624165/