Obesity in children is a growing concern. Apart from several physical and mental health complications, it has also been linked to the early onset of puberty as it leads to hormonal imbalances in the body. Dr Kavitha Bhat, lead consultant, pediatric endocrinology, Aster Women and Children Hospital, Whitefield, Bangalore, explains, “In children with obesity, the fat tissue produces a hormone called leptin which plays an important role in pubertal onset.”
Dr Bharathi Ramesh, obstetrician and gynecologist at Motherhood Hospitals, Banashankari, Bangalore, explains that adipose tissue, or fat cells, produces estrogen, a hormone responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics. In children with obesity, the excess adipose leads to increased estrogen levels. This causes such children to attain puberty earlier than usual.”
The link between obesity and early puberty
“Obesity leads to insulin resistance, which disrupts the hormonal balance,” says Dr Ramesh. She adds that it can lead to increased androgen levels, thereby causing hormonal imbalances that lead to the premature activation of the reproductive system. The average age when one attains puberty is between 8–13 years in girls and 9–14 years in boys. However, obesity can trigger early puberty, with girls and boys experiencing it before they turn eight and nine respectively.
Experts also share that when children put on weight, they reach the critical threshold of adiposity needed to trigger puberty. While children produce a small amount of androgen from their adrenal glands, those with obesity see an increased production of the hormone. This results in early symptoms of puberty, such as breast development.
How does childhood obesity affect the endocrine system?
The hormonal changes causing the early onset of puberty in children with obesity also lead to the premature activation of the reproductive system, says Dr Ramesh. She adds, “The disruption in the proportion of sex hormones can affect the hormonal balance of the body.” This can impact their growth, metabolism, fertility, and even mental health. In the long term, it can impact both physical and psychological health, leading to issues like diabetes, depression, and reproductive health disorders.
Experts add that psychological consequences can be more challenging, as early physical changes can lead to confusion, body image issues and emotional problems.
How does junk food affect childhood obesity?
Dr Bhat explains that though ultra-processed foods (UPF) have not been directly linked to the early onset of puberty, they cause an increase in body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage, leading to childhood obesity. “UPF are high in additives such as sugar, preservatives, unhealthy fats and chemicals that disrupt the endocrine system, thus affecting hormonal balance,” says Dr Ramesh. She adds that among these are endocrine-disrupting chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA), commonly found in plastics and food packaging, which can mimic or interfere with natural hormones. These chemicals can result in the early onset of puberty in children as they disrupt the normal functioning of the endocrine system.
Can stress cause early puberty?
Stress contributes to the early onset of puberty, especially in children with obesity. Dr Ramesh explains, “Chronic stress can disrupt the normal functioning of the hypothalamus, the part of the brain crucial for hormonal regulation.” She adds that this disruption can lead to hormonal imbalances, leading to early puberty. Dr Bhat adds that stress can also cause overeating, subsequently leading to childhood obesity.
Is early puberty more common in girls or boys?
Experts state that while both boys and girls with obesity are at increased risk of early puberty, the condition is more frequently seen in the latter. Dr Bhat explains that it is idiopathic — there is no particular pathology or reason leading to it. “This could be due to the presence of estrogen receptors in adipose tissue, which makes girls more susceptible to the hormonal signals sent by excess fat,” says Dr Ramesh. However, it’s important to note that boys are not immune to the effects of obesity on puberty — hormonal imbalances do affect both genders.
What can parents do?
Dr Ramesh explains that to maintain the health of their children, parents should follow certain preventive measures, such as:
- Feeding children a balanced diet comprising nutrient-dense whole foods
- Limiting the consumption of UPF to avoid additives and preservatives
- Ensuring regular physical activity so that kids remain at a healthy weight. This also promotes overall well-being
- Making children practice stress management techniques, such as mindfulness and meditation
- Ensuring that their children sleep for a minimum of seven hours.
- Cutting down on screen time
- Communicating about puberty and body changes in a supportive environment
- Encouraging a positive body image and emotional well-being through education and self-acceptance
“Parents should track their children’s BMI so that they can take necessary steps before obesity becomes a cause for concern,” says Dr Bhat. She adds that parents should help their children develop good eating habits in their childhood as these habits can stick on. “Ideally, parents should model good eating habits for their children,” she says.
Takeaways
- Obesity can lead to early puberty in children because of hormonal imbalances, stress and inactivity.
- UPF contains preservatives, sugars, unhealthy fats and chemicals that may increase BMI and body fat percentage, leading to obesity in children.
- Children should have a balanced diet consisting of whole, nutrient-rich foods.
- Parents should track their children’s BMI and take necessary steps before obesity becomes a cause for concern in their children.
