In this episode, Therese Markow and Frank Biro discuss:  

• The definition of puberty and the dynamic biologic process in the body from birth through early adolescence.
• Research findings on the early onset of puberty maturation and the correlation to body mass index (BMI).
• Identifying significant behavioral risks for girls who mature earlier than their peers.

 

   

Key Takeaways:  

• Breast development is the first outward sign of puberty in young girls. Studies with elementary school children show the onset of maturation is occurring in girls as young as 8 years old.
• Some factors contributing to a higher BMI in children includes food consumption, chemicals in the environment and physical activity.
• Parents of early maturing girls are encouraged to be involved with their children and monitor their behavior closely.  Children are less likely to engage in risky behavior if they know their parents are monitoring their activities.

 

   

"When we looked at the contributing factors we examined, body mass index was the single most important contributing factor to the earlier age of the onset of puberty maturation." —  Frank Biro

 

 

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Website: www.criticallyspeaking.net

Twitter: @CritiSpeak