Timing of Puberty: Associations with Obesity and Impact on Growth

Dear Colleagues,

Puberty is a critical phase of human development, characterised by physiological changes that lead to sexual maturation and reproductive capability. Puberty’s onset is influenced by various factors, including genetic, environmental, and nutritional status. Genetic and epigenetic variations such as variations in DLK1 and MKRN3 expressions of imprinting can lead to precocious puberty; other genetic causes are also reported. Several studies have found a link between obesity and early puberty in girls. Girls who are overweight or obese tend to experience an earlier initiation of puberty and an earlier menarche compared to their normal-weight counterparts. Possible associated mechanisms are under investigation. Leptin, a hormone produced by adipose tissue, plays a role in regulating energy balance and reproductive function. Elevated leptin levels, other adipokines, and insulin resistance in obese individuals may influence the timing of puberty. The relationship between obesity and pubertal timing in boys is less clear, opening the path for further research. Existing data do not consistently support an association between obesity and the timing of male pubertal onset. On the contrary, obese boys tend to start their puberty late. Early puberty can affect linear growth. Girls who experience menarche earlier may have accelerated growth during the prepubertal phase, but a slower growth during adolescence.

Dr. Meropi Toumba
Dr. Nicolas C. Nicolaides
Guest Editors

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• growth
• puberty
• obesity
• precocious puberty
• MKRN3
• hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadatal axis
• letpin
• insulin resistance