Are boys and girls gaining weight before puberty? A recent study published in the journal Pediatrics suggests that this may be the case.
The study looked at data from nearly 10,000 children and found that both boys and girls are getting heavier at younger ages.
While more research is needed to determine why this is happening, the authors suggest that it could be due to changes in our food environment and increased exposure to unhealthy foods.
Do Boys Gain Weight Just Before Puberty?
Yes, it’s common for boys to gain a little weight before puberty. This is because their bodies are growing and changing, and they’re putting on muscle mass.
In general, boys tend to gain weight more quickly than girls do during puberty.
Do Girls Gain Weight Just Before Puberty?
Yes, it’s common for girls to gain the weight right before puberty. This is often because the body is gearing up to start producing eggs and menstruating.
Some girls may also start puberty earlier or later than others, so their weight gain may happen at a different time.
There’s no need to worry if your daughter is putting on a little bit of weight; as long as she’s eating healthy and getting enough exercise, she’ll be just fine. Puberty is a natural process that every girl goes through, and it’s nothing to be afraid of.
Puberty Weight Gain Before Growth Spurt
The average person gains weight during puberty before experiencing a growth spurt. This is normal and to be expected!
Sometimes, puberty can cause Temporary Linear Gains (TLGs), which are sudden, noticeable growth spurts. However, TLGs don’t necessarily mean that a person will be taller than they would have been without the TLG.
TLGs typically last for 1-2 years. Once a person experiences a TLG, they may gain weight more quickly than usual for a short period of time.
Puberty usually lasts for 2-5 years total, so it’s totally normal to experience some ups and downs during this time! If you’re concerned about your weight or height gain during puberty, talk to your doctor.
Male Puberty Growth Chart
Here’s a puberty growth chart for boys, based on data from the 1966-1970 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III):
Age (Years) | Weight (Pounds) | Height (Inches) |
9 | 47.0 | 43.8 |
10 | 54.4 | 45.6 |
11 | 61.9 | 47.4 |
12 | 69.5 | 49.2 |
13 | 76.7 | 50.8 |
14 | 83.3 | 52.6 |
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