Sexual dimorphism in the early life programming of serum leptin levels in European adolescents: the HELENA study.

Aim: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that a lower birth weight, as an indicator of adverse intrauterine environment, is associated with higher serum leptin levels in European adolescents. We also examined the possible sexual dimorphism in this relationship.

Methods: Fasting serum leptin was measured in 757 European born at term adolescents (429 females) aged 14.