Is age of menarche related with body mass index?

ABSTRACT

Prediction of the onset of menstruation [menarche age] using height, weight and Body Mass Index [BMI] is a major health procedure. The present study was conducted to determine the relationship between anthropometric indices and menarche age in 488 girls 11-17 years in southern Iran [Kish Island] in 2011. Data was collected using questionnaires as well as measurements of the children's height and weight. This data was analyzed using t-test and logistic regression. Median age of menarche of menstruated girls as inferred from the age of menarche cumulative distribution was 12.9 years. Mean [SD] BMI in menstruated and non-menstruated girls were 21.97 [4.5] and 19.17 [3.7], respectively. Mean [SD] weight and height of the menstruated girls were 53.65 [12.3] kg and 156.06 [5.5] cm, respectively which are higher than respective figures of the non-menstruated participants 43.70 [10.7] kg and 150.21[6.3] cm, respectively. Our results revealed a significant correlation between BMI and menarche age. Menarche age and BMI are significantly correlated with higher BMI related to lower menarche age