Recent epidemiological studies highlight the key roles in which environmental factors influence the onset of puberty. Nutrition and health are said to be two important influences on the pubertal maturation of a population, influencing growth (height) and maturity (age of puberty), especially in industrialized countries (George, 1994). Recent research claims there is a link to obesity and delayed puberty in boys; however, researchers also argue that obesity has a negative effect on girls, resulting in early puberty (Ogden et al, 2002). Puberty is said to be a complex progression through which children develop secondary sexual characteristics and reproductive capacity (Solorzano, 2010). Typical puberty begins centrally, with gonadal function driven by increases in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotropin secretion (Lee et al 2013; Solorzano, 2010). Among other factors, sufficient nutritional status appears to be essential for the central onset of puberty (Lee et al 2013). This article will examine the environmental issues related to delayed puberty in adolescents, particularly males. What is puberty? Puberty, a multifaceted biological process involving sexual development, accelerated linear growth and adrenal maturation, is introduced when gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) begins to be secreted from the hypothalamus (Seminara et al, 2003 ). In boys, there is an increase in the size of the testicles, followed by the growth of pubic hair (Marshall & Tanner, 1970). The testicles and scrotum grow, and the scrotum thins, darkens, and becomes pendulous (Ozen, 2011). The penis lengthens and enlarges, taking several years to reach its maximum size. Sperm production coincides with the growth of the testicles and penis, which generally occurs...... middle of paper ......lopment', Evolution and Human Behavior, Vol 24, pp 376-390.Roberts, Michelle BBC News [RSS] 25 March 2014. Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health (Accessed: 25 March 2014).Seninara, S, Messager, S, Chatzidaki, E, Thresher , R, Acierno, J, Shagoury, J, Bo-Abbas, Y, Kuohung, W, Schwinof, K, Hendrick, A, Zahan, D, Dixon, J, Kaiser, U, Slaugenhupt, S, Gusella, J, O 'Rahilly, S, Sher, L, Viens, A, (2009), "Bio-behavioral consequences of traumatic stress in childhood and adolescence: the effects of war on children's mental health, growth and development", Psychiatry-Theory, Applications and Treatments Series, pp 158-166. Tidy, Colin, (2011), 'Delayed Puberty' Available at: http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/delayed-puberty ( accessed: 19 March 2014).Wolfenden, Helen, Ryan, Fiona, (2014), Pediatrics and Child Health "Delayed Puberty", vol 24, (3), pp. 124-130.