Children with excess body fat are at greater risk for a variety of health problems, including neurologic, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and circulatory problems. According to researchers from Penn State University, girls who have higher body fat percentages are also more likely to enter puberty at an earlier age.

Researchers studied 183 girls for 5 years, beginning when the girls were 5 years old and ending when they were 9 years old. At 5, 7, and 9 years of age, the girls' height, weight, and waist circumference were measured so researchers could calculate body mass index (BMI - a measure of body fat). In addition, the girls underwent other special tests to determine their body fat levels. At 9 years of age, the girls provided blood samples so that their estrogen levels could be measured. Also, researchers and each girl's mother verified whether each girl showed signs of entering puberty, such as breast development, the presence of pubic hair, skin changes, and menstruation.

Girls who had higher body fat percentages at 5 years of age and girls with higher body fat percentages, higher BMIs, or larger waist circumference measurements at 7 years old were more likely to show signs of entering puberty when they were 9 years old. Girls who developed higher body fat levels over the course of the study and who had larger increases in waist circumference from age 7 to age 9 were also more likely to develop earlier.

What This Means to You

Entering puberty at an earlier age may be linked to a higher rate of reproductive cancers and high body fat levels in adulthood, and excess body fat can adversely affect a person's health in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. School-age children may become increasingly sedentary as they approach their adolescent years, so it's important to encourage them to remain as active as possible. Reduce the amount of time your child spends in sedentary activity, and make sure your family's diet focuses on fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and whole grains. If you're concerned that your child may be exhibiting signs of early puberty or is overweight, talk to your child's doctor.

Source: Kirsten Krahnstoever Davison, PhD; Elizabeth J. Susman, PhD; and Leann Lipps Birch, PhD; Pediatrics, April 2003

Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: April 2003