Investigating the Impact of Obesity on Pubertal Development in Girls

Launched by NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES (NIEHS) · Oct 21, 2015

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether overweight girls start puberty earlier than girls who are a normal weight. Researchers believe that some changes, like breast development, may happen sooner for overweight girls, but it can be hard to tell if what they're seeing is actual breast tissue or just fatty tissue. By using special tests like breast ultrasounds and other examinations, the researchers hope to get clearer answers about the timing of puberty in these girls.

To participate in the study, girls aged 8 to 14 who are healthy, have some breast development but have not yet started their first period may be eligible. During the study, participants will have one or possibly more visits where they will undergo a physical exam, ultrasounds, and some blood and urine tests. There might also be a special x-ray to check body fat and bone maturity. The study is currently looking for participants, and the researchers will make sure that any procedures are necessary and safe for the girls involved.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• * INCLUSION CRITERIA:
• • Girls without a chronic medical condition
• • Normal weight (BMI 5th-85th%) or overweight/obese (BMI \> 85th%)
• • 8-14 years old
• • Some breast development
• • Pre-menarchal
• EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
• • Treated with medications that may affect reproductive hormones (e.g. birth control pills).
• • Pregnancy
• • During the study, the PI s discretion may be used to determine final eligibility. The PI s discretion may be used at any point in the study (pre-screening, clinical/lab assessments, etc.) to ensure participants are not subjected to unnecessary procedures or visits.