Historically, girls typically begin puberty around age 11, while boys start at 12. However, girls who enter puberty before age 7 and boys before age 8 are diagnosed with precocious puberty, a condition linked to long-term health risks such as obesity, diabetes, mental health challenges, and even breast cancer.
The phenomenon was first noted in the United States during the 1990s, largely attributed to rising obesity rates. At the time, Europe did not exhibit the same trend, with studies primarily focused on Denmark. But from the early 2000s onward, early puberty cases have surged across the continent, from Scandinavia to Southern Europe.
Global research shows the age at which girls begin breast development, a key marker of puberty, has steadily declined by about three months per decade since the late 1970s. This shift is concerning experts, including Dr. Anders Juul, a leading pediatric endocrinologist from Copenhagen University Hospital. “As a researcher, I am worried we still don’t fully understand what’s happening,” Juul said, urging further investigation to help guide future preventive measures.
One primary hypothesis remains childhood obesity. Excess body fat produces higher levels of leptin, a hormone that signals the body is ready for puberty. This may explain why obese girls often experience puberty earlier than their peers. However, researchers point out that in some studies, such as those in Denmark, the rise in early puberty cannot be fully explained by changes in body mass index (BMI) alone.
Another leading theory involves exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, commonly found in food and everyday products. Some experts believe these chemicals could mimic hormones and disrupt normal puberty timing. However, evidence remains inconclusive, and the exact impact of such chemicals remains under investigation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also provided new insights. A marked increase in early puberty cases was observed in Italy during the initial lockdown period, possibly due to reduced physical activity and increased screen time. Intense stress during the pandemic may have also played a role, suggesting that both lifestyle changes and psychological factors could contribute to the phenomenon.
As researchers continue to examine the underlying causes, the urgency to address early puberty’s long-term health effects grows. Without further understanding and action, the medical community warns that this shift may have far-reaching consequences for future generations.
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