This narrative review explores the intricate relationship between nutrition, hormonal balance, and gender-specific factors in the context of obesity. It examines how various dietary patterns, such as calorie restriction, the Western diet, high-fat diets, low-carbohydrate diets, plant-based diets, and the Mediterranean diet, influence hormonal regulation and metabolic health in both men and women. The review highlights the importance of understanding gender-specific metabolic differences and body fat distribution to develop personalized dietary interventions. Key findings include: 1. **Gender-Specific Differences in Body Composition and Fat Distribution**: Women have a higher total adipose tissue volume compared to men, with a more gynoid body shape. This difference is influenced by hormonal patterns and inherent biological factors, leading to distinct metabolic and hormonal responses. 2. **Hormonal Imbalances in Obesity**: - **Males**: Obesity is associated with hypogonadism, characterized by altered gonadal function and androgen deficiency. This condition impacts fertility, sexual function, bone mineralization, and other physiological processes. Hyperinsulinemia, elevated cortisol levels, and dyslipidemia contribute to metabolic and hormonal imbalances. - **Females**: Central obesity in women results in higher circulating levels of androgens, even without a clinical diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Hyperandrogenism is linked to metabolic diseases and infertility. Obesity also affects menstrual cycles, ovulation, and reproductive health outcomes. 3. **Nutritional Influences on Hormonal Balance**: - **Calorie Restriction**: Effective for weight loss and improving metabolic health, but can have gender-specific effects on hormonal balance. For example, it increases testosterone levels in overweight or obese men but may decrease testosterone levels in healthy men with normal weight. - **Western Diet and High-Fat Diets**: These diets are linked to chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormonal imbalances, particularly affecting cortisol levels and reproductive health. 4. **Future Research Directions**: The review suggests that future research should focus on investigating the specific mechanisms underlying dietary influences on hormonal regulation, addressing gender-specific metabolic differences, and exploring dietary needs for individuals undergoing gender transition. By integrating gender-specific considerations into dietary recommendations, healthcare professionals can better support individuals in achieving optimal metabolic health and hormonal balance.This narrative review explores the intricate relationship between nutrition, hormonal balance, and gender-specific factors in the context of obesity. It examines how various dietary patterns, such as calorie restriction, the Western diet, high-fat diets, low-carbohydrate diets, plant-based diets, and the Mediterranean diet, influence hormonal regulation and metabolic health in both men and women. The review highlights the importance of understanding gender-specific metabolic differences and body fat distribution to develop personalized dietary interventions. Key findings include: 1. **Gender-Specific Differences in Body Composition and Fat Distribution**: Women have a higher total adipose tissue volume compared to men, with a more gynoid body shape. This difference is influenced by hormonal patterns and inherent biological factors, leading to distinct metabolic and hormonal responses. 2. **Hormonal Imbalances in Obesity**: - **Males**: Obesity is associated with hypogonadism, characterized by altered gonadal function and androgen deficiency. This condition impacts fertility, sexual function, bone mineralization, and other physiological processes. Hyperinsulinemia, elevated cortisol levels, and dyslipidemia contribute to metabolic and hormonal imbalances. - **Females**: Central obesity in women results in higher circulating levels of androgens, even without a clinical diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Hyperandrogenism is linked to metabolic diseases and infertility. Obesity also affects menstrual cycles, ovulation, and reproductive health outcomes. 3. **Nutritional Influences on Hormonal Balance**: - **Calorie Restriction**: Effective for weight loss and improving metabolic health, but can have gender-specific effects on hormonal balance. For example, it increases testosterone levels in overweight or obese men but may decrease testosterone levels in healthy men with normal weight. - **Western Diet and High-Fat Diets**: These diets are linked to chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormonal imbalances, particularly affecting cortisol levels and reproductive health. 4. **Future Research Directions**: The review suggests that future research should focus on investigating the specific mechanisms underlying dietary influences on hormonal regulation, addressing gender-specific metabolic differences, and exploring dietary needs for individuals undergoing gender transition. By integrating gender-specific considerations into dietary recommendations, healthcare professionals can better support individuals in achieving optimal metabolic health and hormonal balance.