Older women recovering from hip fractures may benefit from a new treatment targeting dangerous belly fat. A University of Connecticut study found that combining topical testosterone gel with therapeutic exercise significantly reduced visceral fat-linked to diabetes and heart disease-in women over 65.
The trial involved 66 participants who were mildly to moderately frail and had low testosterone levels. All underwent an exercise program; one group also received testosterone gel. After six months, the gel group showed lower visceral fat, while the control group saw an increase-a common trend during recovery.
Jacob Earp, assistant professor of kinesiology, noted aging leads to unhealthy fat redistribution, driven by declining sex hormones. Targeting visceral fat, rather than overall weight, may offer better outcomes for mobility and long-term health.
Further research is needed, but the findings suggest hormonal balance could be key in post-fracture recovery for older women.