What might be a potential health concern associated with precocious puberty?

The link between precocious puberty and an increased risk of obesity is grounded in the hormonal changes that occur during early maturation. When puberty begins early, the body experiences a surge in sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, which can lead to an acceleration in growth and changes in body composition.

This early hormonal shift may result in a greater distribution of body fat or alterations in metabolism, potentially leading to weight gain or obesity. Moreover, individuals with precocious puberty may complete their growth spurts earlier than their peers, which can limit their final adult height and contribute to other metabolic issues.

Understanding this relationship is vital because obesity carries its own set of health risks, including increased chances of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and other related conditions, particularly if it is accompanied by other factors such as sedentary lifestyle or poor dietary habits.

The other options do not align with the established concerns associated with precocious puberty. For instance, stable bone density is unlikely since early maturation typically leads to increased bone density initially, followed by a higher risk of osteoporosis in adulthood. A decreased risk of diabetes runs counter to the known associations between childhood obesity and the development of diabetes. Lastly, prolonged adult height is not a concern in cases of precocious puberty, as