Abstract
Obesity is increasing worldwide, including in pediatrics. Adequate nutrition is required
for initiation of menses, and there is a clear secular trend toward earlier pubertal
onset and menarche in females in countries around the globe. Similar findings of earlier
pubertal start are suggested in males. However, as individuals and populations have
crossed into over-nutritional states including overweight and obesity, the effect
of excess weight on disrupting reproductive function has become apparent. Hypothalamic
hypogonadism and polycystic ovary syndrome are two conditions where reproductive function
appears to directly relate to excess weight. Clinical findings in individuals with
certain polygenic and monogenic obesity syndromes, which also have reproductive disruptions,
have helped elucidate neurologic pathways that are common to both. Clinical endocrinopathies
such as hypothyroidism or panhypopituitarism also aide in the understanding of the
role of the endocrine system in weight gain. Understanding the intersection of obesity
and reproductive function may lead to future therapies which can treat both conditions.
Keywords
obesity - adolescence - reproductive disturbances
