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European Journal of Pediatrics

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01-11-2006 | Original Paper

Combined influence of early sexual maturation and central adiposity on subsequent stature

A four-year follow-up of 1,605 Norwegian boys and girls: the Young-HUNT study

Authors: Grete H. Bratberg, Tom I. L. Nilsen, Turid L. Holmen, Lars J. Vatten

Published in: European Journal of Pediatrics | Issue 11/2006

Abstract

Introduction

Shorter adult stature has been attributed to early sexual maturation, as well as early adiposity, but it is not clear if these factors are interrelated.

Results and discussion

A number of 1,605 Norwegian adolescents were followed from early (baseline) to late adolescence (follow-up). Maturational timing was assessed by self-reports of pubertal status (pubertal development scale, PDS) in boys and age at menarche (AAM) in girls. Height, weight and waist circumference were measured at baseline and at follow-up. Differences in height at follow-up and height gain related to the timing of sexual maturation and the level of central adiposity (i.e. high or low waist circumference) at baseline were estimated using general linear modelling. At follow-up, the median height was 180 cm in boys and 167 cm in girls. Early maturing boys and girls with relatively high central adiposity at baseline were, on average, 5.7 cm (P value<0.001) and 3.6 cm (P value<0.001) taller than early maturing boys and girls with low central adiposity. Differences in stature related to central adiposity were less pronounced for intermediate and late maturing boys and girls. The height was lowest in boys (176.6 cm) and girls (163.8 cm) who had matured early and had low central adiposity at baseline. Height gain during follow-up was independent of the level of central adiposity, but was closely related to the timing of sexual maturation. The association between the early timing of sexual maturation and subsequent height was modified by the level of central adiposity in early adolescence.

Conclusion

The results suggest that early maturity combined with adiposity yields higher stature than early maturity and leanness.

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Title: Combined influence of early sexual maturation and central adiposity on subsequent stature
A four-year follow-up of 1,605 Norwegian boys and girls: the Young-HUNT study
Authors: Grete H. Bratberg
Tom I. L. Nilsen
Turid L. Holmen
Lars J. Vatten
Publication date: 01-11-2006
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Journal of Pediatrics / Issue 11/2006
Print ISSN: 0340-6199
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1076
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-006-0174-4

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Combined influence of early sexual maturation and central adiposity on subsequent stature

A four-year follow-up of 1,605 Norwegian boys and girls: the Young-HUNT study

Abstract

Introduction

Results and discussion

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Results and discussion

Conclusion

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