Testicular volume in 268 children and adolescents followed-up for childhood obesity-a retrospective cross-sectional study.

Context: Prevalence of obesity in childhood has increased over the past few decades. The impact of obesity and of obesity-related metabolic disorders on testicular growth is unknown.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of obesity, hyperinsulinemia, and insulin resistance on testicular volume (TV) in pre-pubertal (<9 years), peri-pubertal (9-14 years), and post-pubertal (14-16 years) periods.

Methods: We collected data on TV, age, standard deviation score (SDS) of the body mass index (BMI), insulin, and fasting glycemia in 268 children and adolescents followed-up for weight control.

Results: Peri-pubertal boys with normal weight had a significantly higher TV compared to those with overweight or obesity. No difference was found in the other age ranges when data were grouped according to BMI. Pre- and post-pubertal children/adolescents with normal insulin levels had significantly higher TV compared to those with hyperinsulinemia. Peri-pubertal boys with hyperinsulinemia had significantly higher TV compared to those with normal insulin levels. Post-pubertal adolescents with insulin resistance had lower TV and peri-pubertal boys had higher TV compared to those without insulin resistance. No difference was found in pre-puberty.

Conclusions: Closer control of the body weight and the associated metabolic alterations in childhood and adolescence may maintain testicular function later in life.