About 1 in 5,000 children will experience precocious puberty. Research shows that children start puberty earlier than before.
Does obesity also cause precocious puberty? Many experts believe it will, at least for girls.
Paul Kaplowitz, chief of the Division of Endocrinology at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., said: “I think it is clear that some precocious puberty is associated with obesity. Obesity is not the only factor, but it will be a factor. .”
What is the link between obesity and precocious puberty? What is the impact on children? Here’s what you need to know.
Girls under the age of 8 and boys under the age of 9 have symptoms of puberty and are considered precocious puberty.
Research suggests a possible link between precocious puberty and obesity, at least in girls.
“Some studies have shown that girls who are overweight are more likely to enter puberty earlier, while girls who are underweight — especially those with anorexia — delay puberty,” Paul said. .
Where’s the boy? So far, there is no evidence that obesity increases the odds of precocious puberty in boys.
“In fact, obese boys tend to reach puberty later than average,” said Jami Josefson, MD, a pediatric endocrinologist at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago.
Image source: Zhanku Hailuo
The average age of puberty is falling
Research suggests that the average age of puberty may have declined over the years. The age at which girls first menstruate has remained largely unchanged for decades.
But breast development—often the first sign of puberty in girls—may start about a year earlier than before.
Obesity is not the only cause of precocious puberty
Earlier onset of puberty appears to be associated with an increase in obesity in the United States, researchers say.
In 1965, approximately 5 percent of children aged 6-11 were obese. In 2008, it increased to nearly 20%.
However, while there may be a link, we cannot say that obesity will necessarily lead to precocious puberty.
Obesity is not the only factor. Even in countries where childhood obesity is less common, puberty appears to start earlier, Paul noted.
A 2009 Danish study found that over a 15-year period, the average age of breast development in girls decreased by a full year – from 11 to less than 10 years old.
The obesity rate in Denmark is much lower than in the United States.
So, if obesity is not the only factor, what other factors contribute to early puberty? Experts don’t know yet.
Image source: Zhanku Hailuo
How does obesity affect precocious puberty?
One possible explanation for the link between obesity and precocious puberty is leptin (also called leptin), says Paul.
Adipose cells produce leptin. The more fat, the more leptin is in the body. Leptin plays a key role in regulating appetite, body size and reproduction.
Leptin itself does not induce precocious puberty. But there is evidence that children must have enough leptin in their bodies during adolescence, Paul said.
Girls with high levels of leptin — these girls are overweight — may be more likely to induce precocious puberty.
In fact, obesity can lead to the diagnosis of precocious puberty in some children who do not have symptoms of precocious puberty.
Why? Pediatricians sometimes mistake fat for developing breasts in girls.
“It’s not unusual,” Jamie said. “Even pediatric endocrinologists have difficulty distinguishing between adipose and breast tissue.”
What should parents do?
What does the relationship between obesity and precocious puberty mean for children? Can obesity prevention reduce the odds of precocious puberty in children?
Theoretically yes, but experts aren’t sure.
Of course, helping your child maintain a healthy weight is good because there are many health benefits.
Image source: Zhanku Hailuo
Tips to help your child prevent being overweight
Be aware of the calories in your child’s diet, but don’t overly restrict food.
Encourage your child to exercise regularly.
Let your child develop healthy eating and exercise habits.
Work closely with your pediatrician.
What if my child has already started puberty early?
In this case, if the child is overweight, the child may be allowed to lose weight, but this will not stop the puberty process.
Work closely with the pediatrician and pediatric endocrinologist.
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