Subbulaxmi Trikudanathan, M.B.B.S., from Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, and colleagues examined the association of female reproductive factors (age at menarche, parity, age at natural menopause, menopausal status) with body composition data among women who participated in the Offspring and the Third Generation Framingham Heart Study cohorts. Measurements of visceral adiposity (VAT) and subcutaneous adiposity (SAT).

The researchers found that earlier age at menarche was significantly associated with increased body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), VAT, and SAT, although the association was no longer significant after adjusting for BMI. 

Why these findings are of interest to us?

1.In addition to obesity related Diabetes and Cardiovascular disease this is another major reason to make sure your daughter is fit and not overweight.

2. With all the attention the unproven relationship between hormones in poultry and other foods have been getting as the culprit in the early menarche. Here is a peer reviewed study to lend credibility to what most practicing Pediatricians and Endocrinologist have already known- overweight girls who are not fit and primarily sedentary have an increased tendency to have their periods early.

One author is an employee of Merck.

Abstract