Body Weight, Age and Menarche
Hispanic girls are most likely to reach
menarche before the age of 11 years, 76 per cent more likely than White
girls. Black girls were 55 per cent more likely, while Asian girls were
65 per cent more likely than White girls to reach menarche after 14 years
of age.
However, all of these trends were related
to girls' bodyweight, with Black and Hispanic girls having a higher rate
of teenage obesity than White or Asian girls. Over 40 per cent of the
girls who reached menarche before 11 years were overweight, compared to
25 per cent of those with later menarche.
We can say that there is a correlation
between early obesity and early menarche but cannot yet say the link is
causative. In view of concern that puberty is beginning earlier, the possibility
deserves more detailed examination. Both earlier puberty and obesity are
especially prominent in the Hispanic and Black populations.
Source: Adair LS et al: Maturational timing
and overweight prevalence in US adolescent girls. Am J Public Health 2001;91:642-644.
Weight Loss & Weight Management
An increase in physical activity is an important part of your weight loss
program. Physical activity improves your muscle/fat ratio - thus raising
metabolism for easier weight loss - and boosts your motivation to maintain
the weight you lose.
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