Why obese girls are more likely to have an earlier onset of menarche

Why obese girls are more likely to have an earlier onset of menarche

Why obese girls are more likely to have an earlier onset of menarche, why does obesity cause early menarche?

Higher levels of body fat can lead to an earlier onset of menarche in girls through a few different mechanisms. One key mechanism is related to the hormone leptin, which is produced by adipose (fat) tissue.

According to Frisch, the onset of menarche is associated with a minimum level of body fatness, which is approximately 17% of body weight. However, in girls over 16 years of age, a heavier minimum weight for height is required to ensure regular menstrual cycles, which corresponds to a higher amount of body fat (approximately 22%).

Leptin plays an important role in the regulation of appetite and metabolism, and it also influences the timing of puberty. Higher levels of body fat lead to increased production of leptin, and this increased leptin production can stimulate the hypothalamus in the brain to produce gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which is necessary for the onset of puberty.

Studies have found that girls with higher levels of body fat tend to have higher levels of leptin and may experience earlier onset of puberty as a result. In addition to its effects on GnRH production, leptin may also interact with other hormones involved in puberty, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), to promote the maturation of ovarian follicles and the onset of menstruation.

Another potential mechanism linking higher body fat levels to earlier menarche is related to insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which is produced by the liver in response to growth hormone. Higher levels of body fat are associated with increased insulin resistance, which can lead to higher levels of circulating insulin and increased production of IGF-1. IGF-1 is known to play a role in the regulation of puberty and may promote the maturation of ovarian follicles and the onset of menstruation.

How does body fat affect girls menarche?

In summary, higher levels of body fat can lead to an earlier onset of menarche in girls through multiple mechanisms, including the production of leptin, which stimulates the hypothalamus to produce GnRH, and the effects of insulin resistance on IGF-1 production.

Verified by: Rami Diab (March 20, 2023)

Citation: Rami Diab. (March 20, 2023). Why obese girls are more likely to have an earlier onset of menarche. Medcoi Journal of Medicine, 4(2). urn:medcoi:article21573.

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