Childhood Obesity Linked to Future Fertility Problems

A new study published in the journal Frontiers in Endocrinology reveals that childhood obesity may not only be a precursor to various health problems such heart disease and diabetes but it can also adversely affect fertility and onset of puberty.

The study was conducted by researchers at Oregon State University who found that childhood obesity affected girls more than boys as it accelerated the onset of puberty and interfered with the normal secretion of kisspeptin, a hormone that has been found to be vital for reproduction.

"The issue of so many humans being obese is very recent in evolutionary terms, and since nutritional status is important to reproduction, metabolic syndromes caused by obesity may profoundly affect reproductive capacity. Either extreme of the spectrum, anorexia or obesity, can be associated with reproduction problems", lead researcher Patrick Chappell said.



Source: Medindia