Research on the Factors Associated with Pubertal Development in 6-12-Year-Old Obese Children

Objective To investigate the pubertal development in obese school-age children and explore the associated factors. Method A total of 217 school-aged children, aged 6-12 years, visiting the clinic at Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, were enrolled in a study to complete a series of examinations. These assessments included body composition analysis, blood glucose levels, fasting insulin levels, and evaluations of secondary sexual characteristic development. Statistical analysis was conducted using R4.0.3 software. Result There were 152 male students, with 83 (54.6%) in the adolescent undeveloped group and 69 (45.4%) in the adolescent developed group. There were 119 female students, with 30 (25.2%) in the adolescent undeveloped group and 89 (74.8%) in the adolescent developed group. In a comparative analysis of children, those in the adolescent development group exhibited significantly higher values for age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), BMI-z score, body fat, muscle mass, fat-free weight, fat-free body mass index, and waist-hip ratio compared to the adolescent undeveloped group (P < 0.05). Additionally, fasting insulin and insulin resistance index were also higher in the development group, with statistical significance. BMI emerged as an independent factor affecting the adolescent development of obese school-age girls (P < 0.05). Among boys in the adolescent development group, the consumption of sugary drinks and fried food was higher than in the undeveloped group, and moderate-intensity exercise was significantly lower, with statistical significance (P < 0.05). In girls, the adolescent development group reported longer daily sitting times and higher intakes of sugary drinks and fried foods compared to the undeveloped group, with these differences being statistically significant (P < 0.05). The consumption of fried food was positively correlated with adolescent development in obese children and was identified as an independent influencing factor of adolescent development (P < 0.05). Conclusion 6-12-year-old Obese children who have entered puberty exhibit increased body fat, fat-free body mass index, and waist-hip ratio. There is a positive correlation between BMI and the onset of puberty in obese girls, and a high intake of fried food may accelerate the pubertal development in these children.