The adolescent transition under energetic stress: Body composition tradeoffs among adolescent women in The Gambia.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objectives

Life history theory predicts a shift in energy allocation from growth to reproductive function as a consequence of puberty. During adolescence, linear growth tapers off and, in females, ovarian steroid production increases. In this model, acquisition of lean mass is associated with growth while investment in adiposity is associated with reproduction. This study examines the chronological and developmental predictors of energy allocation patterns among adolescent women under conditions of energy constraint.

Methodology

Fifty post-menarcheal adolescent women between 14 and 20 years old were sampled for weight and body composition at the beginning and end of 1 month in an energy-adequate season and 1 month in the subsequent energy-constrained season in

SUBMITTER: Reiches MW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3868354 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature