During puberty, most girls experience a noticeable increase in weight and body fat. This weight gain isn't localized to one specific area, but rather tends to distribute across several areas.
Common Areas of Weight Gain in Girls During Puberty
- Upper arms: An increase in muscle mass and subcutaneous fat (fat located just under the skin) can make the upper arms appear fuller.
- Thighs: Similar to the upper arms, the thighs gain both muscle and fat, leading to increased size.
- Upper back: The accumulation of fat in this area is a common characteristic of puberty.
- Hips: The hips widen and become rounder as part of the changes in body shape during puberty. This is often accompanied by weight gain in the hip region.
It's crucial to understand that the distribution of weight gain varies from girl to girl. While the areas listed above are common, individual experiences can differ significantly.
The increase in weight is a natural part of puberty and is essential for healthy menstrual cycles and overall development. This weight gain is primarily due to increased body fat, but also includes an increase in muscle mass and bone density.
Additional areas where weight gain may occur in girls include the abdomen and breasts as they develop during puberty.
References support the weight gain during puberty in these areas: "You may notice more body fat along the upper arms, thighs, and upper back." [Reference 1]
Additional information indicates the weight gain is a normal and necessary part of development: "Expect to gain weight. This is normal and needed to have healthy menstrual cycles." [Reference 4] "Extra androgen can also makes girls gain weight and have irregular periods." [Reference 2]
