Obesity Linked to Early Puberty Maturation in Girls

Lisa Franchi November 08, 2013

For the second time, scientific evidence points to the role of obesity in early puberty. According to the new study, obesity is the largest predictor of earlier puberty in girls. The downside is that scientists have observed that girls with earlier maturation are at risk for a multitude of challenges, including low self-esteem, higher rates of depression, norm-breaking behaviours and low performance in school.

“The impact of earlier maturation in girls has important clinical implications involving psychosocial and biologic outcomes,” says lead author Frank Biro, M.D. “The current study suggests clinicians may need to redefine the ages for both early and late maturation in girls.”

The current study involved 1,200 girls, starting at age 6 to 8, from the San Francisco Bay Area, Greater Cincinnati, and New York City. Researchers monitored the breast development of the participants over the next 7 years. The median age of breast development was 8.8 for African-American girls, 9.3 for Hispanic girls, 9.7 for Caucasian girls, and 9.7 for Asian girls. However, the body mass index (BMI) was even a stronger indicator of earlier onset puberty. In particular, overweight girls developed breasts earlier than those with normal weight.

Although no cause-and-effect relationship was established, the researchers explained that obesity appears to be a prime driver in the early pubertal maturation.

More dangers tied to obesity

A larger concern tied to early puberty is that it has been linked to a wide range of health problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. It is also tied to psychological issues, the researchers wrote. They argued that even though their body may develop a certain level of maturity soon, girls may still be at their natural age psychologically and emotionally. Earlier studies have found a link between early puberty and low self-esteem and depression. Researchers will soon study the relationship between environmental chemicals and early development. In the meantime, they call for helping kids make healthier choices as early as possible to avoid excessive weight gain.

Source of this article:

Obesity May be Driving Earlier Puberty in Girls