Age at menarche and adult obesity: A cross-sectional study using data from the 1999–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the association between age at menarche and adult obesity among adults in the United States.MethodsData were obtained from the 1999-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A total of 19,170 female participants were included. Adult obesity was assessed using body mass index, weight-adjusted waist index, waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio. To examine the association between age at menarche and adult obesity, weighted multivariable linear regression analyses were performed using continuous or categorical variables, and age at menarche was classified as early, normal, or late. Subgroup analyses stratified by age, race, and economic status were also conducted. Potential nonlinear associations between age at menarche and adult obesity were evaluated using restricted cubic spline analysis.ResultsData from 19,170 females were analyzed. Multivariable linear regression analyses demonstrated a negative association between age at menarche and obesity indicators in adulthood. Restricted cubic spline analysis indicated that the associations between age at menarche and body mass index as well as waist-to-height ratio were nonlinear.ConclusionsAmong the 19,170 participants, age at menarche was negatively associated with the risk of obesity in adulthood. Increased attention should be given to the physical condition of girls with early menarche, and preventive interventions should be implemented as early as possible to reduce the risk of obesity.