Prepubertal Growth Trajectory and Pubertal Onset.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Growth and Development
• Public Health

Background:

• Adiposity is linked to earlier pubertal timing, but previous pediatric studies often used limited body mass index (BMI) measurements.
• Longitudinal studies tracking growth from birth through puberty are crucial for understanding adiposity's impact on pubertal development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between prepubertal growth trajectories, cumulative adiposity exposure (CEA), and the timing of pubertal onset.
• To identify sensitive developmental periods for potential weight interventions aimed at influencing pubertal timing.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from two population-based birth cohorts: the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) and the Tianjin Birth Cohort Study (TBCS).
• Employed latent class growth mixed models to define prepubertal BMI trajectories and regression models to analyze associations with pubertal onset.
• Included children with at least 4 (LSAC) or 9 (TBCS) anthropometric measures and completed pubertal onset data.

Main Results:

• Higher BMI trajectories and greater cumulative adiposity exposure (CEA) were associated with earlier pubertal onset and increased risk, particularly in girls.
• Aged 3 to 4 years emerged as a sensitive period, where increased BMI was significantly linked to earlier pubertal timing and higher onset risk.
• Findings were consistent in Australian boys but varied in Chinese boys; higher CEA showed a stronger effect on pubertal timing within the sensitive age window.

Conclusions:

• Prepubertal growth patterns and cumulative adiposity significantly influence the timing and risk of pubertal onset.
• The period between ages 3 and 4 years represents a critical window for monitoring and potential intervention regarding early pubertal development.
• These findings underscore the importance of managing adiposity in early childhood to influence pubertal trajectories.