TNF and Obesity: However, adiponectin levels are generally lower in men compared with women and even lower in men with obesity.61, 62 Moreover, inflammatory cytokines, TNF‐α, and IL‐6, inhibit adiponectin, and individuals with obesity often have high levels of circulating inflammatory cytokines.64 High leptin and low adiponectin levels can stimulate the HPG axis and therewith an early onset of puberty in boys.