October - December 2013, Volume 9, Issue 4

Abdusalam K, Bhalla AK, Dayal D

Early Onset and Slow Progresion of Sexual Maturation in North Indian Boys with Exogenous Obesity

Acta Endo (Buc) 2013, 9 (4): 589-596
doi: 10.4183/aeb.2013.589

Background. While exogenous obesity is consistently associated with early sexual maturation in girls, the reports in boys show conflicting results with some showing a positive association and others a negative or no association at all. Aim. To assess the pattern of sexual maturation in boys with exogenous obesity. Design: Mixed longitudinal study. Subjects and methods. In the present study, 102 boys between 8 yrs (+3 months) and 16 yrs (+3 months) of age with exogenous obesity who belonged to mixed socioeconomic strata were assessed at 6 monthly intervals for development of genitalia, pubic, facial and axillary hair as per the criteria laid down by Tanner 1962 in addition to their general anthropometric assessments. The data obtained was compared with previously published normative auxological and sexual maturity related data. Results. The attainment of G2 and G3 stage of genitalia development was earlier as compared with their Indian and western peers while G3 and G4 stages were found to be relatively delayed. None of the obese boys could attain G5 stage by the age of 16yrs. The appearance of facial (11.68±1.73yr), pubic (11.7±1.79yr) and axillary hair (12.41±1.69yr) occurred earlier than their Indian and western counterparts. Conclusion. The onset of sexual maturation amongst obese boys in this study as compared to their normal counterparts was earlier even though the progression of maturation was found to be relatively delayed.

Keywords: exogenous obesity, sexual maturation, boys, puberty.

Correspondence: Devi Dayal MD, Associate Professor, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Advanced Pediatrics Center, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Sector 12, Chandigarh-160012, India, E-mail: drdevidayal@gmail.com