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Poor diet brings on puberty in girls


6/ 2/2006

GIRLS are reaching puberty up to two years earlier than their grandmothers, research has revealed.

Poor diet, obesity, lack of exercise and broken families are being blamed for early puberty among today's pre-teenage girls.

Psychologist Dr Aric Sigman studied three different generations across Britain.

His report indicates that obesity, lack of exercise, family environment and television could all influence the timing of puberty.

As new generations of girls become successively heavier they are reaching puberty earlier.

It is suspected that the extra body fat actually causes an increase in levels of the hormone leptin, which is thought to be involved in triggering puberty.

Physical activity has a direct correlation with obesity and many of today's youngsters are active for only 20 minutes a day, but spend hours in front of TVs.

Stressful family environments and poor diet are also blamed in the report.

Why are young girls eating so badly? Have your say.


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Most recent 2 of 5 user comments

   Junk food is so much cheaper if you buy it from places that target kids shopping with their parents. For example whenever do you get 2 for 1 or 3 for 2 offers on fruit and veg? You get offers on high fat, high salt, E number loaded ready meals and the stupid cartoon character spagetti things. Kids only eat what they are used to. If they are brought up eating junk then they will crave it. I was the only kid at school who actually liked sprouts!!
Nic, Work
13/02/2006 at 13:46

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   I agree Health food casts more than Junk, but good food that is healthy doesnt! A bunch of carrots cost far less than a frozen pizza. A chicken breast is cheaper than Burgers. Wholemeal bread is no more expensive than white bread! Fruit is cheaper than chocolate! As for not having time to cook I think is a cop out. 20 minutes in the oven for frozen rubbish, or 10 minutes under the grill for a peice of healthy lean meat! Couple this with the fact that we dont learn home economics at school anymore, and you will have health issues wide-spread. Also, lets look at the fact more and more young ladies are drinking (not wisely) and the problem is re-enforced. My daughter enjoys cooking, we all have fun as a family when we cook. She is also allowed to have a wine with dinner (even though she isnt 18 yet dont condemn me, she doesnt hang around drinking alcho-pops) but we are educating her. And this approach coupled with a bit of activity will do her no harm! I have to agree with the previous comments, it is laziness. Young ladies dont have the time with hectic lifestyles? Then why are the pubs full of young ladies for 4 hours every night? Dont make excuses......................
Billy, Manchester
8/02/2006 at 10:51

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