A recent study has revealed that girls who consistently follow a healthier diet are less likely to experience early puberty compared to their peers, regardless of their height or body mass index (BMI). The research, published on Tuesday in the journal Human Reproduction, presents new evidence connecting dietary habits to the timing of menarche, or a girl’s first menstrual period.
Historically, studies have associated early puberty with factors like higher BMI and taller stature. However, this latest investigation distinguishes itself by being the first to directly examine how specific dietary patterns influence this critical developmental milestone.
The study’s authors propose that nutrition impacts puberty timing through its effect on sex hormone levels. Diet, they argue, may play a pivotal role in regulating the hormonal pathways that trigger the onset of menstruation.
Erin Hennessy, director of the ChildObesity180 program at Tufts University, who was not involved in the research, commented on these findings. She noted that existing studies have long established a connection between excess body fat and hormonal changes that can accelerate puberty. Adipose tissue, or body fat, can disrupt normal hormone function, influencing the biological processes that govern puberty.
This new study adds an important dimension to the understanding of how lifestyle factors, especially nutrition, shape adolescent development.
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