Fatty slows puberty in boys

A study of more than 400 boys found that obese children who were at risk for late puberty were twice as likely to have normal weight.

Parents should adjust their children's diet appropriately, avoiding long-term effects on children's development.Photo: ABC.

Previous studies on girls showed the opposite result - fat children tend to puberty earlier. The difference between these two sexes has not been clarified yet.

"With the current prevalence of obese children, there are concerns that this situation will have a negative impact on growth and development," said Dr Joyce Lee, a pediatrician at the University of Michigan. , and the team leader, said.

In his study, published in the journal Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, 14% of obese boys did not show puberty at the end of the study period, while only 7% of them were in the weight group. normal is like that.

"This may put more pressure on fat boys, because they have been teased about their appearance, both slow and high compared to you," said Dr. David Ludwig, director of the obesity program at Children's Hospital. in Boston, said on ABC.