The Claim
Among Brazilian adolescents aged 14–19, advanced pubertal development (adult phase of sexual maturation) is associated with abdominal obesity, with an odds ratio of 2.5 (95% CI 1.40–4.46).
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Brazilian adolescents aged 14–19 who have completed puberty have a higher prevalence of abdominal obesity compared to those who have not.
See the scientific wording
Among Brazilian adolescents aged 14–19, being in the adult phase of sexual maturation (post-puberty) is associated with abdominal obesity, with an odds ratio of 2.5 (95% CI 1.40–4.46), suggesting that advanced pubertal development correlates with increased central adiposity.
When puberty ends, sex hormones change how the body stores fat, causing more fat to collect around the belly. These hormones also make the body less sensitive to insulin and increase hunger, leading to more eating and less energy use. This creates extra calories that turn into belly fat.
What the research says
1 studyStudy: Association between abdominal obesity, screen time and sleep in adolescents
The study found that teenagers who have finished puberty are about 2.5 times more likely to have extra belly fat than those still going through puberty — exactly what the claim says.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.