Interestingly, a recent study found that people with higher intelligence tend to go through puberty earlier, but they also delay having children and have fewer children overall.
From a biological point of view, this appears contradictory, as reaching puberty early means the body is ready to reproduce sooner.
But when researchers looked at data from thousands of people in the UK and US, they found that more intelligent people were slower to reach big reproductive milestones.
They started having sex later, had fewer sexual partners, were less likely to marry young, and had their first child at a later age.
The study suggests this is because people with higher intelligence have greater opportunities and often spend more time in education, aim for long-term and ambitious careers, and focus on personal goals before thinking about starting a family.
In some cases, they may decide not to have children at all.
The long-term mental health impacts of puberty
The timing of puberty can also affect how young people feel about themselves.
For example, research has found that girls who experience early puberty are more likely to face body image issues, anxiety, and low self-esteem because they look different from their friends and aren’t emotionally ready for the changes.
These feelings can significantly impact mental health, often continuing well into adulthood.
Going through puberty late can be tough, too, especially for boys. One study found that late-maturing boys often aren’t happy with their bodies, particularly because they haven’t developed as much muscle.
This can cause lower self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy.
Some boys also face teasing, social pressure, or even bullying, which can contribute to depression and other mental health issues.
These feelings often fade over time, but they can leave a mark and increase the risk of mental health problems later in life.
Early or late puberty may raise the risk of illness
A large UK study found that people who started puberty earlier than usual were more likely to develop type 2 diabetes and heart disease as adults.
On the other hand, those who matured later were more prone to asthma.
Researchers believe this might be because early or late hormonal changes can affect things like weight, stress levels, and everyday habits.
While early or delayed puberty can sometimes cause problems, it’s not always a cause for concern. Everyone develops at their own pace.
If you’re worried about your child’s development or well-being, it’s best to speak to a doctor for advice.
This article is an answer to the question (asked by Natalie Montague, Stockport) 'How does the timing of puberty affect a person's long-term health?'
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