Which endocrine consequence includes effects on growth and puberty?

• A. Growth and puberty
• B. Hypertension
• C. Acanthosis nigricans
• D. Obstructive sleep apnea

Answer: (A)

Endocrine effects of obesity include how fat tissue influences growth and the timing of puberty. Adipose tissue releases leptin and other signals that inform the brain about energy stores, helping to regulate when puberty begins. Higher body fat often leads to earlier pubertal onset, especially in girls, due to increased estrogen production from adipose tissue and higher leptin levels. Growth is also linked to the growth hormone–IGF-1 axis, which can be altered in obesity and affect growth velocity and maturation timing. Because this option directly addresses hormonal control of growth and puberty, it best captures the endocrine consequences associated with obesity, while the other choices describe different obesity-related issues not centered on hormonal growth and pubertal development.