How does low testosterone affect weight gain. What role does testosterone play in muscle mass and fat distribution. Can testosterone replacement therapy aid in weight loss. Why is maintaining healthy testosterone levels crucial for men’s overall health.

The Prevalence of Low Testosterone in Men

Low testosterone is a common issue affecting men, particularly as they age. Approximately 25% of men over 30 experience low testosterone levels, often without realizing it. This hormonal imbalance can lead to various symptoms, including weight gain and difficulty losing weight.

Can you identify low testosterone symptoms? Some common signs include:

• Decreased libido
• Unexplained weight gain
• Fatigue
• Reduced muscle mass
• Increased body fat, especially around the midsection

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it may be time to consult a healthcare professional for a testosterone level check.

Testosterone’s Multifaceted Role in the Male Body

Testosterone is often associated primarily with male sexual characteristics and fertility. However, its influence extends far beyond these aspects. This versatile hormone plays a crucial role in:

• Regulating fat distribution
• Building and maintaining muscle mass
• Supporting bone density
• Influencing mood and energy levels
• Contributing to overall metabolic health

Understanding testosterone’s wide-ranging effects helps explain why low levels can impact various aspects of a man’s health, including weight management.

The Link Between Testosterone and Muscle Mass

Muscle mass is a key factor in maintaining a healthy weight and metabolism. How does testosterone influence muscle development? Testosterone stimulates protein synthesis and muscle growth, helping men build and maintain lean muscle mass.

When testosterone levels drop, it becomes increasingly difficult for men to build and retain muscle. This decrease in muscle mass has a direct impact on metabolism, as muscle tissue burns more calories than fat tissue, even at rest.

Do you know how much muscle impacts your daily calorie burn? On average, a pound of muscle burns about 6-7 calories per day at rest, compared to 2-3 calories burned by a pound of fat. While this may seem small, it adds up over time and can significantly affect your overall metabolism and weight management efforts.

The Domino Effect of Low Testosterone on Muscle and Metabolism

When testosterone levels fall below normal, a domino effect occurs:

1. Muscle mass declines
2. Metabolism slows down
3. Fewer calories are burned at rest
4. Weight gain becomes more likely
5. Fat accumulation increases, especially around the abdomen

This cycle can make weight loss increasingly challenging, even with proper diet and exercise.

Testosterone’s Influence on Fat Storage and Distribution

Fat cells are not mere storage units for excess energy. They function as an active endocrine organ, producing hormones and enzymes that affect various bodily processes. How does this relate to testosterone?

Fat cells produce an enzyme called aromatase, which converts testosterone to estrogen. When testosterone levels are low, this conversion can lead to an imbalance between testosterone and estrogen, further promoting fat storage.

Where does excess fat tend to accumulate in men with low testosterone? Low testosterone levels are associated with increased abdominal fat storage. This type of fat, known as visceral fat, is particularly concerning as it’s linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders.

The Vicious Cycle of Low Testosterone and Weight Gain

Low testosterone and weight gain can create a challenging cycle:

1. Low testosterone leads to increased body fat
2. Excess body fat impairs testosterone production and utilization
3. Testosterone levels decrease further
4. More fat is stored, particularly in the abdominal area
5. The cycle continues, making weight loss increasingly difficult

Breaking this cycle often requires addressing the underlying hormonal imbalance through proper medical intervention.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy: A Potential Solution for Weight Management

For men with clinically low testosterone levels, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may offer a path to improved weight management. How does TRT impact weight loss efforts?

Studies have shown that TRT, when combined with moderate exercise, can lead to significant weight loss in men with low testosterone. This therapy helps by:

• Increasing muscle mass
• Boosting metabolism
• Improving fat distribution
• Enhancing energy levels and motivation for physical activity

Is TRT suitable for all men struggling with weight loss? It’s important to note that TRT is specifically for men with diagnosed low testosterone levels. A comprehensive medical evaluation is necessary to determine if this treatment is appropriate and safe for an individual.

The Benefits of Normalized Testosterone Levels

When testosterone levels are restored to a normal range through TRT, men may experience:

• Increased lean muscle mass
• Improved metabolic rate
• Enhanced ability to lose body fat
• Better energy levels and mood
• Increased motivation for physical activity

These benefits can contribute to more effective weight management and overall improved health.

Beyond Weight: Other Health Impacts of Low Testosterone

While weight gain is a significant concern associated with low testosterone, it’s not the only health issue men may face. What other aspects of health can be affected by low testosterone levels?

• Bone density: Testosterone plays a crucial role in maintaining bone mass. Low levels can lead to decreased bone density and increased risk of osteoporosis.
• Cardiovascular health: Some studies suggest a link between low testosterone and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Mental health: Low testosterone can contribute to mood changes, including depression and anxiety.
• Cognitive function: There’s evidence that testosterone may play a role in cognitive functions like memory and spatial ability.
• Sexual health: Beyond libido, low testosterone can affect erectile function and overall sexual satisfaction.

Addressing low testosterone can potentially improve multiple aspects of a man’s health and well-being.

Lifestyle Factors That Influence Testosterone Levels

While age-related decline in testosterone is natural, certain lifestyle factors can accelerate this process or exacerbate low testosterone symptoms. What habits can impact testosterone levels?

• Diet: A balanced diet rich in proteins, healthy fats, and micronutrients supports healthy testosterone production.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity, especially strength training, can help boost testosterone levels.
• Sleep: Adequate sleep is crucial for hormone regulation, including testosterone production.
• Stress management: Chronic stress can lower testosterone levels.
• Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can negatively impact testosterone production.

By addressing these lifestyle factors, men may be able to support their body’s natural testosterone production and overall hormonal balance.

Natural Ways to Support Testosterone Levels

While severe testosterone deficiency may require medical intervention, there are natural ways to support healthy testosterone levels:

1. Engage in regular strength training exercises
2. Maintain a healthy body weight
3. Ensure adequate vitamin D intake through sunlight exposure or supplementation
4. Include zinc-rich foods in your diet, such as oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds
5. Manage stress through relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga
6. Prioritize quality sleep, aiming for 7-9 hours per night
7. Limit alcohol consumption and avoid smoking

These lifestyle modifications can complement medical treatments and contribute to overall hormonal health.

When to Seek Professional Help for Low Testosterone

Recognizing when to consult a healthcare provider about potential low testosterone is crucial for timely intervention. When should you consider seeking professional help?

• Persistent fatigue despite adequate sleep
• Unexplained weight gain, especially around the midsection
• Significant decrease in libido or erectile dysfunction
• Mood changes, including irritability or depression
• Difficulty building or maintaining muscle mass despite regular exercise
• Noticeable decrease in body hair growth

If you’re experiencing multiple symptoms, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional who can conduct appropriate tests and provide personalized advice.

The Diagnostic Process for Low Testosterone

Diagnosing low testosterone involves more than just recognizing symptoms. The process typically includes:

1. A comprehensive medical history review
2. Physical examination
3. Blood tests to measure testosterone levels
4. Additional hormone tests to rule out other endocrine disorders
5. In some cases, imaging studies to check for pituitary gland issues

It’s important to work with a healthcare provider experienced in diagnosing and treating hormonal imbalances to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

The Future of Testosterone Research and Treatment

As our understanding of testosterone’s role in male health continues to evolve, what developments can we expect in the future? Ongoing research is focusing on several key areas:

• More precise diagnostic tools to identify testosterone deficiency
• Improved delivery methods for testosterone replacement therapy
• Investigation of the long-term effects of TRT on cardiovascular health and prostate cancer risk
• Exploration of natural compounds that may support healthy testosterone levels
• Better understanding of the interplay between testosterone and other hormones

These advancements may lead to more personalized and effective treatments for men with low testosterone in the future.

Emerging Treatments and Therapies

While traditional testosterone replacement therapy remains the primary treatment for low testosterone, researchers are exploring alternative approaches:

• Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs): These compounds aim to provide the benefits of testosterone without some of the potential side effects.
• Nasal testosterone gels: A newer delivery method that may offer more consistent hormone levels.
• Clomiphene citrate: An off-label use of this fertility drug to stimulate natural testosterone production in some men.
• Lifestyle intervention programs: Structured programs combining diet, exercise, and stress management tailored for men with low testosterone.

As research progresses, these and other innovative approaches may provide more options for men dealing with low testosterone and its associated symptoms, including weight gain.

What Does Testosterone Have to Do with Weight Loss?: Men’s T Clinic®: Testosterone Replacement

What Does Testosterone Have to Do with Weight Loss?: Men’s T Clinic®: Testosterone Replacement

All those crunches in the gym may be going to waste if you have low testosterone, and if you think it’s uncommon, guess again. Approximately one in four men over the age of 30 has low testosterone, and many are completely unaware of it. If your libido has tanked and the scale continues to rise, low testosterone may be the culprit. The good news is, with proper diagnosis and treatment, you can lose weight and restore your vitality.

A hormone with versatile effects

Testosterone exerts complex effects on your body that extend beyond regulating fertility and bone mass. It also plays a role in fat distribution and how much muscle mass you’re able to build and maintain. Low levels negatively impact you in various ways, some of which influence your weight.

Testosterone levels decline naturally as you age. However, at Men’s T Clinic® we see men who have lower-than-normal testosterone levels even for their age. If you’re in this situation, you may be an ideal candidate for hormone replacement therapy.

Testosterone and muscle mass

A lack of testosterone makes it difficult for men to build and maintain muscle mass. The amount of muscle you have plays a role in regulating your weight. Muscle requires more energy to maintain and therefore requires more calories. It helps keep the energy balance between how much you eat and how much you burn for fuel. The more muscle mass you have, the more calories you burn.

When your testosterone levels fall below normal, your muscle mass declines, causing your metabolism to slow down. This domino effect paves the way for weight gain and stubborn fat that doesn’t seem to budge despite your best efforts at eating right and working out.

Testosterone and fat storage

Fat cells, once thought of as dormant storage spots, are now known to act like other organs, secreting chemicals, sending signals, and influencing other parts of your body. For instance, fat cells produce an enzyme called aromatase that converts testosterone to estrogen, and an imbalance in your testosterone and estrogen levels increases body fat.

It also influences where you store fat. Low testosterone increases stomach fat, and too much abdominal fat is not only aesthetically displeasing, it also raises your risk for heart disease.

A vicious cycle

Not only does low testosterone increase weight gain, make it harder to lose weight, and boost your belly fat, but it also sets off a vicious cycle. Low testosterone increases body fat. That excess fat impairs your body’s ability to produce and effectively utilize testosterone, further lowering your already lower-than-normal levels. Once you’re on this vicious hamster wheel, it’s difficult to break without correcting the testosterone deficiency.

How testosterone therapy helps

Combined with moderate exercise, testosterone therapy produces significant weight loss in men with lower-than-normal levels. Correcting the amount of testosterone in your body helps you maintain lean mass as you shed body fat. As your levels normalize, your metabolism will increase so that you burn more calories, and your fat distribution will improve.

If you suspect you’re suffering from low testosterone, our team at Men’s T Clinic® can help. For diagnosis and treatment, call the nearest office or use our convenient online booking form.

What Most Men Don’t Realize About Their Muscle Mass

Your muscles aren’t just bulky tissue that flexes and straightens your joints and keeps your body strong. Muscle is your largest endocrine organ, and it helps regulate your metabolism. Lose muscle mass, and your health could go down the drain.

Can You Prevent Erectile Dysfunction?

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Testosterone Therapy: A Holistic Approach to Healthy Body Fat

You don’t just have a spare tire in the trunk of your car. You’ve got one around your middle, too. Where’d it come from? And how can you get rid of it? The answer may lie in a powerful steroid hormone called testosterone.

When to See a Doctor About Fatigue

You drag yourself through the day, and then drag yourself through a fitful night of sleep. If you don’t get the rest you need or have the energy you want, you owe it to yourself to find out why. Fatigue has many causes, including serious illness.

Is Lost Muscle Mass a Normal Part of Aging?

You complain to your doctor that your body seems flaccid and fatty, no matter how much iron you pump. Your tape measure shows that you’ve lost inches in your biceps. Your doctor says that’s just a “normal” part of aging. You don’t have to accept it.

5 Ways to Stay on Top of Prostate Health

You may not give your little prostate gland a lot of thought. But that small, walnut-sized gland works hard for you by producing seminal fluid each time you ejaculate. Keeping your prostate healthy means keeping it small, too. Here’s how.

Testosterone and obesity – PubMed

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Review

. 2015 Jul;16(7):581-606.

doi: 10.1111/obr.12282.

Epub 2015 May 15.

D M Kelly 
¹
, T H Jones 
^1
 
2

Affiliations

Affiliations

• ¹ Department of Human Metabolism, Medical School, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
• ² Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology, Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Barnsley, UK.

• PMID:

  25982085

• DOI:

  10.1111/obr.12282

Review

D M Kelly et al.

Obes Rev.

2015 Jul.

. 2015 Jul;16(7):581-606.

doi: 10.1111/obr.12282.

Epub 2015 May 15.

Authors

D M Kelly 
¹
, T H Jones 
^1
 
2

Affiliations

• ¹ Department of Human Metabolism, Medical School, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
• ² Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology, Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Barnsley, UK.

• PMID:

  25982085

• DOI:

  10. 1111/obr.12282

Abstract

Testosterone is a key hormone in the pathology of metabolic diseases such as obesity. Low testosterone levels are associated with increased fat mass (particularly central adiposity) and reduced lean mass in males. These morphological features are linked to metabolic dysfunction, and testosterone deficiency is associated with energy imbalance, impaired glucose control, reduced insulin sensitivity and dyslipidaemia. A bidirectional relationship between testosterone and obesity underpins this association indicated by the hypogonadal-obesity cycle and evidence weight loss can lead to increased testosterone levels. Androgenic effects on enzymatic pathways of fatty acid metabolism, glucose control and energy utilization are apparent and often tissue specific with differential effects noted in different regional fat depots, muscle and liver to potentially explain the mechanisms of testosterone action. Testosterone replacement therapy demonstrates beneficial effects on measures of obesity that are partially explained by both direct metabolic actions on adipose and muscle and also potentially by increasing motivation, vigour and energy allowing obese individuals to engage in more active lifestyles. The degree of these beneficial effects may be dependent on the treatment modality with longer term administration often achieving greater improvements. Testosterone replacement may therefore potentially be an effective adjunctive treatment for weight management in obese men with concomitant hypogonadism.

Keywords:

Adipose; androgen; metabolism; type 2 diabetes.

© 2015 World Obesity.

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Reducing excess weight in men, overweight, obesity, treatment

Threats of obesity in men

The main feature of obesity in men is that obesity always leads to a lack of testosterone. Testosterone is the most important male sex hormone, which determines not only the sexual and social ambitions of a man, but also plays a leading role in the clinical picture of obesity in men. Testosterone deficiency supports the deposition of excess adipose tissue and reduces the effectiveness of treatment. In addition, testosterone is responsible for general well-being, good mood, as well as muscle mass and strength.

That all obese men have low testosterone levels has been proven by large scientific studies.

List of diseases associated with obesity:

• Cardiovascular: arterial hypertension – high blood pressure for a long time; heart failure – the inability of the heart to fully perform its function; stroke – damage to the brain as a result of an acute violation of cerebral circulation; myocardial infarction – the death of a section of the heart muscle; Varicose veins.
• Exchange: type 2 diabetes mellitus (insulin-independent) – a violation of carbohydrate metabolism; hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis of vessels – a violation of fat metabolism; gout – the deposition of uric acid salts in the joints, kidneys.
• Respiratory: shortness of breath – rapid breathing; sleep apnea syndrome – periodic cessation of breathing during sleep, combined with snoring.
• Musculoskeletal: arthritis – inflammation and pain in the joints; osteocondritis of the spine.
• Gastrointestinal: cholelithiasis – the formation of stones in the gallbladder.
• Oncological: increased risk of prostate and rectal cancer.

But the most serious complication for men is, of course, a violation of sexual function: a decrease in sexual desire and erectile dysfunction. In addition, obesity significantly reduces the quality and quantity of male sperm, often to the point of complete sterility (what we call infertility). Overweight men produce far fewer viable sperm than normal-weight men, and these sperm are more likely to contain genetic defects that reduce their ability to fertilize an egg. Obesity has a significant impact on the quality of sperm, and as the body mass index increases, the defects become more and more.

What is important for men to know about being overweight

It would seem that a rational approach to the treatment of obesity in men with concomitant testosterone deficiency is obvious: it is necessary to reduce the amount of incoming calories (this is ensured by proper nutrition), increase the “expenditure” of energy (this is physical activity ) and make up for the testosterone deficiency, since it is testosterone that is the main anabolic (i. e., fat-burning) hormone, which is so necessary for the weight loss process to be successful.

However, the need to replace testosterone deficiency in obesity is still a matter of debate in some medical circles. Despite the fact that testosterone deficiency is an additional factor contributing to obesity and a major cause of diet and exercise failure, some experts continue to argue that low testosterone levels will be eliminated “by themselves” by reducing body weight, since adipose tissue will be eliminated, then There is a factor that caused a decrease in testosterone. Theoretically, this is true, however, in practice, it is impossible to achieve good results in weight loss without correcting concomitant disorders (namely, testosterone deficiency).

Remember that treatment can only be prescribed by a doctor after an appropriate examination and the exclusion of contraindications.

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Hormones and their effect on weight

The effect of hormones on weight regulation in women is known to many. This is especially true for middle-aged women. Today, when hormone tests have become publicly available, it has become possible to identify any hormonal disorders that can lead to excess weight.

So, the main hormones that affect weight are: estrogens, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, prolactin, cortisol, insulin and thyroid hormones.

Estrogens

There are three types of estrogens in our body: estradiol, estrone and estriol. These three types are not interchangeable, as they have a decisive influence on the female body in middle age.

Estradiol – the dominant estrogen in the human body – is produced by the ovaries, and during menopause, its formation completely stops. Estradiol increases insulin sensitivity, increases energy, induces a good mood, promotes clarity of thought, good memory, ability to focus, normal blood pressure, optimal bone density, improved sleep, sexual desire and a normal, active metabolic process.

Decreased estradiol levels in middle age lead to reduced release of serotonin. The loss of serotonin leads, in turn, to depression, irritability, anxiety, increased sensitivity to pain, indigestion, obsessions, and disturbed sleep patterns. Each of these factors can slow down the metabolism, and therefore reducing the amount of estradiol leads to the problem of excess weight and difficulty in dropping it.

Progesterone

Progesterone prepares the body for pregnancy and childbearing, so the woman begins to eat for herself and for the baby. Progesterone levels are high in the second half of the cycle, which explains the appetite during this period. Other changes – fluid retention and breast enlargement – are also explained by the work of progesterone in preparation for pregnancy.

Progesterone slows down the movement of food through the digestive tract, which allows the female body to absorb more nutrients. In times of famine, this should serve pregnant women well. (That’s why a woman can feel “bloated” during this period of her cycle.) Progesterone also affects the brain, which has a calming effect, but for many women, this leads to decreased activity and weight gain.

Testosterone

The female body has testosterone (in a tiny amount compared to the male body), and its content decreases with age. With the onset of menopause, testosterone in the female body begins to be produced 2 times less, but this can also happen at a younger age. Testosterone contributes not only to healthy sex drive, but also plays an important role in weight regulation. This hormone is anabolic, i.e. , it promotes the growth of muscle mass, and uses fats as fuel, which, in turn, helps to reduce weight.

I’ll talk more about this in Part 2, where you’ll learn that estradiol, along with testosterone, has a strong impact on weight and can help you achieve a healthy balance of muscle mass and less fat. Since women lose up to 95% of estradiol and over 50% of testosterone when the ovaries stop functioning normally, it is not surprising that in middle age they are forced to struggle with being overweight. After all, they lose a huge amount of hormones that promote muscle growth, prevent the deposition of fat and speed up metabolism.

DHEA

DHEA is another “male” hormone produced by the adrenal glands and also by the ovaries before menopause. DHEA has been touted as a weight loss hormone, but is only effective for men. Modern research has proven that women who take this hormone gain weight and experience many side effects – hair loss and their appearance on the face, acne, cravings for sweets, restless sleep and irritability. Medicines containing DHEA are widely available, but because the doses of the hormone in them are too high for women, unwanted side effects are often encountered.

Thyroid hormones

T3 and T4 are the main thyroid hormones produced by the thyroid gland. These are the main regulators of the metabolic process, since they regulate the use of energy and its reproduction in all cells and tissues of the body. Metabolism depends on the normal functioning of thyroid hormones and the chemical reactions they cause at the cellular level. With a decrease in thyroid hormones, especially when the functioning of ovarian hormones is disrupted, women gain weight very easily, even if they begin to consume low-calorie foods. Sometimes, in cases of excessive amounts of thyroid hormones, women gain weight in the first half of the cycle due to increased appetite associated with the activity of these hormones.

Cortisol

Cortisol is known as the stress hormone, the level of which rises in the presence of one second or prolonged stimulation. Short and strong stress also causes the release of adrenaline. However, due to both short-term and long-term reactions to stress and irritants, fat in the waist and entire abdomen is deposited rather than split. Why? After acute stress, you feel hungry due to the release of adrenaline into the bloodstream, this leads to a desire to eat, especially sweets, and as a result you eat more than you need. Chronic stress leaves you overworked, completely exhausted and craving “soothing food” – sweets.

Insulin and glucagon

Insulin and glucagon affect the amount of glucose (“sugar”) in the blood, as well as the ratio of fat to muscle mass. They are called counter-regulatory hormones because they have the opposite effect on blood sugar (glucose). Insulin lowers glucose levels by causing it to move from the blood to muscle cells, where it is burned for energy, or to fat cells, where it is stored. The rate and amount of insulin formation depends on the foods we consume, their combination and the time they enter the body. The action of glucagon is opposite to that of insulin. When the brain becomes aware that the amount of sugar in the blood is decreasing, glucagon causes the liver to “push” the glucose out of the fats into the bloodstream, where it enters the cells and is burned. Insulin production is influenced by ovarian hormones, and vice versa. At high level insulin with resistance to it (insulin resistance) the woman’s waist begins to gain weight. A similar violation of the response to insulin is observed with polycystic ovaries and with a reduced amount of estradiol.

Prolactin

Prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland, and in large quantities it causes excess weight. Prolactin regulates milk production during breastfeeding. In men and non-pregnant women, its amount is less than 15-20 ng / ml, but in the last trimester of pregnancy, the level of prolactin rises to 300 ng / ml. In the first few months after childbirth, its level drops, even when the mother continues to breastfeed.

When the level of this hormone exceeds 15-20 ng / ml, the menstrual cycle becomes irregular, the formation of estradiol is suppressed. With prolonged release of a large amount of prolactin, menstruation may stop (amenorrhea), and milk will begin to flow from the breast (galactorrhea). This is clear evidence of high prolactin levels, which are associated with other problems often overlooked by doctors – weight gain, breast enlargement, headaches and depression.

Elevated prolactin levels affect weight by stimulating the breastfeeding mother’s appetite, causing her to consume more calories – for herself and her baby. But if you’re not breastfeeding, you don’t need to eat for two, and as a result, excess food gets stored in your body. Prolactin also affects weight by suppressing the work of the ovaries, which produce estradiol and testosterone, which are responsible for active metabolic processes, regulation of the ratio of insulin and glucose, and promote muscle and bone growth. Bone erosion leading to premature osteoporosis also points to an undertreated case of high prolactin levels.

With age and during menopause, the amount of this hormone increases, which affects the acquisition of excess weight in middle age. Its increased amount can also be caused by stress, exhausting workouts, hypothyroidism, nipple stimulation and a variety of common medications, such as Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Celexa, Luvox, tricyclic antidepressants – pamelor, amitriptyline and others, tagamet, pepsid, neuroleptics ( navan, haldol, mallaril and others).