In conclusion, earlier age at menarche may indicate a transgenerational influence toward a faster tempo of childhood growth, which is transmitted from the mother to her offspring. The trait is manifested in early postnatal life by promoting weight gain and growth during infancy, taller childhood but shorter adult stature due to earlier completion of growth, and increased childhood and adult obesity risks. Earlier mother's menarche and maternal obesity independently predispose to childhood obesity, and both factors could be used to indicate which infants might require closer early growth monitoring. Finally, understanding the genetic, epigenetic, or behavioural factors that underlie this process will identify processes that regulate both the timing of puberty and the risk of childhood-onset obesity.
