Body size and fatness in young adults in relation to age at menarche

Abstract

The relationships among age at menarche, body size, and body composition were considered in university students surveyed in 1970 (n = 342) and 1987 (n = 109). Recalled ages at menarche, stature, weight, and the triceps skinfold thickness were measured. Subjects ranged in age from 17.5 to 22.5 years in both surveys and were divided into four categories by age at menarche: before 12 years, 12.0 through 12.99 years, 13.0 through 13.99 years, and older than 14 years. In both the 1970 and 1987 surveys, later maturers had significantly more linear physiques than those experiencing menarche earlier. Late maturers also showed a tendency to lower values for the body mass index (BMI) and triceps skinfold compared with early maturers. Comparative data for women of the same age from the Fels Longitudinal Study (n = 234) showed similar findings. Women who reached menarche at ages older than 14 years were significantly taller than women with menarcheal ages less than 13 years. Women with menarcheal ages younger than 12 years were significantly heavier and had higher BMIs than those from any older menarcheal category. They also had significantly thicker triceps skinfolds than those with menarcheal ages older than 14 years.