Earlier Mother's Age at Menarche Predicts Rapid Infancy Growth and Childhood Obesity
Author Information
Author(s): Ong Ken K, Northstone Kate, Wells Jonathan CK, Rubin Carol, Ness Andy R, Golding Jean, Dunger David B
Primary Institution: Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Hypothesis
Mother's age at menarche may predict her offspring's early postnatal growth pattern and childhood obesity risk.
Conclusion
Earlier age at menarche may indicate a transgenerational influence toward a faster tempo of childhood growth, leading to increased obesity risks.
Supporting Evidence
- Children of mothers with earlier menarche were taller and heavier at age 9.
- Children in the earliest mother's menarche quintile were more likely to be obese.
- Earlier mother's menarche was associated with faster weight gain in the first two years of life.
Takeaway
If a mom started her period early, her kids might grow faster and have a higher chance of being overweight.
Methodology
The study analyzed data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, measuring growth and fat mass in children at age 9 and assessing associations with mother's age at menarche.
Potential Biases
Potential residual confounding by the mother's BMI and other unmeasured social or behavioral factors.
Limitations
The mother's age at menarche was self-reported, which may introduce recall bias.
Participant Demographics
Children from the UK population-based Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) birth cohort.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.46 to 3.17
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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