Fall in puberty calorie burn linked to obesity rise in adolescents

A study published in the International Journal of Diabetes has found that 15-year-olds see a sharp dip in the energy they burn while resting, compared to the rate before puberty, which could explain the recent rise in obesity among adolescents.

The study cited the drop in energy use was equivalent to burning 500 less calories per day, and could help explain with many teenagers put on excess weight.

During rest, the body continues to use up energy in order maintain operation of organs such as the brain, heart, liver and kidneys.

The research, carried out by the University of Exeter Medical School, examined 279 children over the space of a decade, with the results showing a sharp fall in the number of calories burned at rest during puberty.

The news comes as official data shows around a third of children aged 10-11 in England are overweight or obese.

Prof Terry Wilkin, from the University of Exeter Medical School, said: "Child obesity and associated diabetes are both among the greatest health challenges of our time.

"Our findings can explain why teenagers gain excess weight in puberty, and it could help target strategies accordingly."

Prof Simon Capewell, vice-president of the Faculty of Public Health, added: "Adolescents sitting around using their smartphones and iPads are being bombarded with junk food marketing - while using even fewer calories than we previously thought.

"Last month's government strategy on childhood obesity confirmed the duty on sugary drinks, but was otherwise a disastrous missed opportunity.

"We need much tougher regulation around the marketing of junk food to children - particularly on TV and online."