Association between age at menarche and body mass index, waist circumference, waist to hip ratio, and waist to height ratio in adult women

Objectives The aim of the present study was to examine associations between age at menarche and body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) in young adult women. Methods Anthropometric data and age at menarche information were collected in two cross-sectional surveys conducted in the years 2004-2006 (Cohort 1) and 2016-2018 (Cohort 2). A total of 2419 women, aged 19-24 years., were included. Results Statistically significant relationships between age at menarche and BMI, WHtR, and WC were observed. The values of the anthropometric parameters decreased with increasing age at menarche. The onset of menstruation before the age of 12 years. was linked to a heightened risk of overweight and obesity (BMI >= 25) and abdominal obesity defined as WC > 80 cm and/or WHtR >= 0.5. First menstruation after the age of 14 y. was associated with a lower risk of overweight and obesity (BMI >= 25, WC > 80 cm and/or WHtR >= 0.5), as well as a higher risk of being underweight (BMI < 18.5 and/or WHtR < 0.4). Associations between anthropometry and menarcheal timing were stronger in Cohort 1. Conclusion Both early and late onset of menarche are associated with abnormal body composition: Early menarche is associated with overweight, while later maturing girls have a heightened risk of underweight.