Puberty onset in males and females fed a high fat diet.

Abstract

AbstractBalanopreputial separation and vaginal opening and ovulation were observed in males and females as markers of sexual maturation. Animals fed a high fat diet containing the same protein content as a low fat diet showed normal pubertal onset. Both males and females fed a diet reduced in protein consisting of a mixture of dry chow and Crisco in a ratio of 2:1 showed delayed pubertal onset although their total daily caloric intake was similar to the animals fed a high fat diet with adequate protein. It is concluded that puberty onset in both males and females is sensitive to changes in dietary intake.