New Study Suggests Topical Testosterone Gel May Help Older Women Fight Dangerous Belly Fat

As we get older, our bodies change in ways that can be surprising—and sometimes harmful. One of the most concerning shifts is how and where we store fat. While some fat is harmless and even necessary for good health, a specific type called visceral fat builds up deep inside the belly, wrapping around vital organs like the liver, pancreas, and intestines. This hidden fat has been strongly linked to serious health problems, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and inflammation.

Now, researchers from the University of Connecticut have discovered a potential way to stop this dangerous belly fat from increasing—especially in older women recovering from a serious injury. Their study focused on a topical testosterone gel, which appears to selectively reduce visceral fat without causing overall weight loss that could weaken muscles. This is important because losing muscle as we age can lead to frailty, falls, and loss of independence.

Why Belly Fat Changes as We Age

You may have noticed that even if your weight stays the same, your body shape can change over the years. That is because aging affects hormones, especially testosterone. Although testosterone is often thought of as a male hormone, women also produce it, and levels drop with age in both sexes.

Jacob Earp, assistant professor of kinesiology at the University of Connecticut and lead author of the study, explains that as men and women grow older, fat tends to shift from harmless areas—like under the skin—to the more dangerous visceral compartment. “There is a direct link between sex hormones and fat distribution throughout the body,” Earp says. This redistribution is a normal part of aging, but it increases the risk of chronic diseases.

Most body fat is subcutaneous, meaning it sits just beneath the skin. This type is generally not harmful and actually helps protect your body and store energy. Visceral fat is different. It builds up deep inside the abdomen and surrounds internal organs, and it has been strongly connected to conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

The Problem with Typical Weight Loss for Older Adults

When people think about losing weight, they often focus on dropping pounds. But for older adults, this approach can backfire. Traditional weight loss strategies—like cutting calories or doing general exercise—reduce overall body weight, including both fat and muscle. Losing muscle is especially dangerous for seniors because it supports mobility, balance, and metabolism.

“Doing these blanket weight loss strategies is not always the healthiest approach, especially because muscle weight will be lost along with fat and maintaining muscle is extremely important as we age,” Earp says. This is why researchers are looking for ways to target visceral fat specifically, without harming muscle tissue.

How the Study Was Conducted

The research team focused on a group that faces a particularly high risk: older women recovering from hip fractures. Hip fractures are a major health issue for women over 65. They occur nearly three times more often in women than in men and are a leading cause of lost independence. After a hip fracture, many women struggle with reduced mobility, which can increase the risk of additional health problems, further injuries, and even early death.

The study followed 66 women over the age of 65 who were recovering from a recent hip fracture. Before starting the trial, each participant received a DXA scan—a type of body composition test that measures fat, muscle, and bone density. All participants completed a structured exercise program designed to aid recovery. However, only one group was given a topical testosterone gel as part of their treatment.

Key Findings: Testosterone Gel Targeted Visceral Fat

After six months, the researchers repeated the DXA scans. The results were striking. Overall body fat levels remained similar in both groups. But there was a critical difference in where the fat was stored.

Women who used the testosterone gel had lower levels of visceral fat. In contrast, the group that did not receive the hormone experienced an increase in visceral fat, which is typically seen during recovery from a hip fracture. This means the gel did not cause general weight loss—it selectively reduced the most dangerous type of fat.

“If you have injury and just generally as we age, we expect an increase in visceral fat,” Earp says. “This really bucked that trend and caused selective reduction of fat in that visceral compartment.”

What This Means for Older Women

This finding is significant because hip fractures are devastating injuries that often lead to long-term disability. Many women never fully recover their previous level of function. By reducing visceral fat, the testosterone gel may improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

“These are devastating injuries that most women don’t ever recover from,” Earp says. “In this case, any kind of intervention that can have a beneficial effect on health, you could potentially have a huge improvement in quality of life for the individual.”

While the study was small and focused on a specific group, it opens the door for future research into how hormone-based treatments might help older adults maintain healthier body composition as they age.

Expert Perspective: Hormones and Fat Distribution

Endocrinologists and geriatric specialists have long known that sex hormones play a key role in where the body stores fat. Testosterone, in particular, helps maintain muscle mass and encourages fat to be stored in safer areas. As testosterone levels drop with age, the body tends to shift fat toward the abdomen.

Dr. Sarah Mitchell, a geriatric medicine specialist not involved in the study, says these findings align with what doctors see in practice. “We know that hormone changes affect body composition. The idea of using a low-dose topical treatment to target visceral fat without causing muscle loss is promising, but more research is needed to confirm safety and effectiveness in larger populations,” she explains.

Experts also caution that testosterone therapy is not appropriate for everyone. It can have side effects, including skin irritation, fluid retention, and potential impacts on cholesterol levels. Anyone considering such treatment should discuss it thoroughly with their healthcare provider.

Practical Takeaways for Readers

While this study is still early, there are several things you can do right now to manage visceral fat and maintain muscle as you age:

– Stay active with strength training. Building and preserving muscle helps keep your metabolism high and reduces the risk of falls. Aim for at least two days per week of resistance exercises like lifting weights, using resistance bands, or doing bodyweight moves like squats and push-ups.

– Eat a balanced diet rich in protein. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth. Include sources like lean meat, fish, eggs, beans, and dairy in your meals.

– Limit added sugars and refined carbs. These foods are linked to increased visceral fat storage. Focus on whole grains, vegetables, and healthy fats instead.

– Get enough sleep and manage stress. Poor sleep and chronic stress raise cortisol levels, which can promote belly fat storage.

– Talk to your doctor about hormone health. If you are an older adult experiencing unexplained changes in body composition, your doctor can check your hormone levels and discuss whether any interventions might be appropriate.

– Recover wisely after an injury. If you or a loved one suffers a hip fracture or other serious injury, work with a physical therapist to regain strength and mobility. Ask about programs that combine exercise with medical support.

Looking Ahead

The University of Connecticut study is a small but important step toward understanding how we can target dangerous belly fat without harming muscle. Researchers hope to expand this work to larger groups and longer time frames. If future studies confirm these results, topical testosterone gel could become a valuable tool for improving recovery and long-term health in older women.

For now, the best defense against visceral fat remains a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, good nutrition, and proactive medical care. As science continues to uncover new strategies, staying informed and working with your healthcare team can help you age stronger and healthier.

Source: ScienceDaily