Mia's Feed
Medical News & Research

Early Onset of Puberty Linked to Increased Risk of Overweight in Girls, Study Finds

Early Onset of Puberty Linked to Increased Risk of Overweight in Girls, Study Finds

Share this article

A new study reveals that girls who experience early puberty are at a higher risk of becoming overweight later in life, emphasizing biological factors and the importance of targeted health interventions.

2 min read

Recent research from Aarhus University highlights a significant correlation between early puberty in girls and a heightened risk of developing overweight or obesity later in life. The study, which analyzed height, weight, and pubertal development data from nearly 13,000 Danish children, reveals that girls who enter puberty at an earlier age tend to have higher BMI measurements before, during, and after puberty, regardless of their weight status in childhood.

The longitudinal study, part of the "Better Health in Generations" cohort, allowed researchers to track multiple puberty milestones alongside BMI changes from ages 7 to 18. This comprehensive approach provides a clearer understanding of how pubertal timing influences weight trajectories over time, unlike previous research that primarily relied on single measurements.

Interestingly, the findings showed that the link between early puberty and increased BMI in adulthood is partly due to higher BMI already present before puberty begins. For girls, biological differences seem to play a crucial role, potentially involving hormonal changes that impact fat storage and metabolic functions more profoundly than in boys. In contrast, boys displayed a smaller independent effect of puberty timing on adult BMI once childhood BMI was taken into account.

The researchers emphasize that, although the differences are statistically significant, they are generally small on an individual level. Nonetheless, the findings underscore the importance for healthcare professionals, including school nurses, to be aware of the potential long-term weight risks associated with early puberty, especially for girls with persistent overweight issues during adolescence and young adulthood.

These insights contribute to a better understanding of the biological and developmental factors influencing weight gain and suggest that early pubertal timing could serve as an indicator for targeted preventive measures. source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-early-puberty-overweight-life-girls.html

Stay Updated with Mia's Feed

Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.

How often would you like updates?

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

Related Articles

Updated International Guidelines Highlight Mental and Heart Health Risks in Rare Skin Disorder

New international guidelines recommend screening for psychological and heart conditions in patients with the rare skin disorder X-linked ichthyosis, improving early detection and comprehensive care.

Could Psilocybin Be a New Hope for Treating IBS? Insights from Recent Research

Exploring the potential of psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, as a groundbreaking therapy for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in recent clinical studies.