Pubertal Growth Patterns According to Sexual Maturity Rating in Indian Children: Clinical Implications for Growth Assessment.

Pubertal growth is closely linked to sexual maturation; Indian data describing anthropometric changes across pubertal stages remain limited. The authors evaluated age-related patterns of height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) in relation to Sexual Maturity Rating (SMR) among 925 healthy children (567 boys) aged 6-18 y from Western India. Anthropometric measurements were obtained using standardized protocols, and pubertal assessment was performed (Tanner staging). Estimated annual changes were derived from age-specific mean values. Girls demonstrated earlier peak increases in height and weight, with peak height gain at 10.5 (breast stages 2-3) and peak weight gain at 11.5 y. In boys, peak height gain occurred at 11.5 y (testicular volume 6-12 mL; SMR stage 3), peak weight gain at 12.5 y (SMR stage 4). BMI declined progressively in boys but peaked during mid-puberty in girls. These findings highlight the importance of interpreting growth using pubertal stage rather than chronological age alone.