Study of How Obesity Affects the Start of Puberty in Girls Aged 8 to 14

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating whether overweight girls enter puberty earlier than girls of normal weight. The study focuses on pre-menarchal girls aged 8 to 14 years who have some breast development but have not started their first period. The aim is to better understand pubertal development by using advanced methods like breast ultrasound to distinguish breast tissue from fatty tissue, as well as detailed reproductive assessments. Participants are divided into two groups based on weight normal weight and overweight. The study involves one or more visits within a 4-week period, during which girls undergo a physical exam including breast and genital examination, breast and pelvic ultrasounds, blood and urine tests, a DXA scan to measure body fat, and a hand X-ray to assess bone maturity. Some participants may be asked to return six months later for repeat testing to monitor changes over time. During the study, researchers will collect various measurements such as breast maturation scores from ultrasound and Tanner breast staging, reproductive hormone levels, body composition, and bone age. These assessments help determine the timing and progression of puberty. The primary outcome is to correlate breast ultrasound findings with clinical breast staging. The total study duration extends up to September 2026, with follow-up assessments occurring semiannually for some participants.

Investigating the Impact of Obesity on Pubertal Development in Girls