University of Oulu study links coffee to testosterone and metabolic health

Researchers at the University of Oulu in Finland have conducted a study involving 2,264 middle-aged adults to examine the relationship between coffee consumption, metabolic markers, and sexual hormones.

The findings indicate that higher coffee consumption is associated with several physiological differences. In men, regular coffee intake was linked to increased levels of bioavailable testosterone and Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG), although free testosterone and free androgens were slightly lower.

Regarding body composition and metabolism, participants with higher coffee consumption exhibited lower levels of both total and visceral fat, as well as greater skeletal muscle mass, despite having similar BMIs. The study also noted a more favorable glucose-insulin profile and lower levels of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), which are often linked to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes risk.

Researchers emphasized that these findings show correlations rather than direct causation, meaning the study does not prove that coffee consumption causes fat loss or specific hormonal changes, but rather identifies patterns that require further experimental confirmation.