Resistance training increases SHBG in overweight/obese, young men

ObjectiveEvidence suggests that SHBG affects glycemic control, predicts both T2D and metabolic syndrome, and is low in obese subjects. We sought to determine if resistance exercise training (RT) can increase sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and ameliorate levels of related steroid hormones in overweight/obese, sedentary young men.Materials/Methods36 participants (BMI 31.4 kg/m2, age 22 years) were randomized into an RT (12 weeks of training, 3/week) or control group (C, 12 weeks no training), and assessed for changes in SHBG, cortisol, testosterone, free testosterone (FT) and free androgen index (FAI). In addition, body composition and oral glucose tolerance testing was performed.Results12 weeks of RT increased SHBG (P = 0.01) and decreased FAI (P < 0.05) and cortisol (P < 0.05) compared to C. FT decreased in RT (P = 0.01). Total testosterone did not change in either group. These changes were noted without weight loss, and in concert with increases in lean body mass (P = 0.0002 vs C) and decreases in glucose area under the curve (AUC) (P = 0.004), insulin AUC (P = 0.03), and total (P = 0.002) and trunk (P = 0.003) fat mass in RT.ConclusionIn overweight/obese young men, RT increases SHBG and lowers FAI in obese young adult men.