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

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