Obesity link to early puberty
18 April 2003
Overweight and obese girls are more likely to enter puberty early, US researchers say.
The association between weight and puberty was independent of height, and thus could not be explained simply by accelerated growth, the researchers said (Pediatrics 2003; 111: 815-21).
They followed 183 girls, and found those who were heavier and taller at 5 and 7 years of age were more likely than other girls to start puberty by age 9.
Of the 44 girls who entered puberty early, 59 per cent were overweight and 30 per cent were obese.
Last Reviewed: 17 April 2003
- 1. Medical Observer Weekly 18/4/03
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