The Association of Accelerated Early Growth, Timing of Puberty, and Metabolic Consequences in Children

Accelerated early growth and early timing of puberty or pubertal variant have been noticed as risk factors for metabolic syndrome, more frequently observed in children born small for gestational age (SGA) or children with premature adrenarche (PA). Children with SGA, especially if they make an accelerated catch-up growth in early life, carry a higher risk for long-term metabolic consequences, such as type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, multiple studies support that these children, either born SGA or with a history of PA, may have earlier pubertal timing, which is also associated with various metabolic risks. This review aims to summarize the recent studies investigating the association between early infantile growth, the timing of puberty, and metabolic risks to expand our knowledge and gain more insight into the underlying pathophysiology.

Automated summary

Accelerated early growth and early timing of puberty are risk factors for metabolic syndrome, especially in children born small for gestational age (SGA) or with premature adrenarche (PA). These children, especially those with SGA and accelerated catch-up growth, are at a higher risk for long-term metabolic consequences like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Studies also show that children born SGA or with a history of PA may have earlier pubertal timing, which is associated with various metabolic risks. This review aims to summarize recent studies exploring the relationship between early infantile growth, timing of puberty, and metabolic risks to enhance our understanding of the underlying pathophysiology.