New Delhi, India | January 22, 2026
Girls are reaching physical maturity at an earlier age than in previous generations, according to a new study conducted by Maulana Azad Medical College, raising concerns among health experts, parents, and educators.
The research, which focused on school-going girls in Delhi, suggests that imbalanced diets, frequent consumption of junk food, reduced physical activity, and rising obesity levels are accelerating hormonal changes and altering normal growth patterns.
Lifestyle Changes Impacting Child Development
Researchers found that modern lifestyle habits—such as increased screen time on mobile phones and television, reduced outdoor play, and high-calorie diets—are not only contributing to weight gain but also speeding up physical development in children.
The study highlights that the pace of physical growth and the onset of puberty have shifted noticeably over the past few years, signaling a broader public health concern.
Details of the Long-Term Study
This prospective cohort study, which began in 2018, included 2,470 schoolgirls aged 3 to 18 years. After obtaining parental consent, researchers monitored participants for nearly two and a half years.
During the study period:
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Height and weight were measured every six months during school visits
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Puberty-related physical changes were assessed annually
The findings revealed clear changes in growth and puberty patterns compared to earlier data.
Puberty Now Starting Earlier
The average age of the girls included in the study was around 10 years. Researchers observed that:
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The average age of breast development (thelarche) was around 10 years
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The average age of first menstruation (menarche) was approximately 12 years
These ages are considered lower than previous norms, indicating that puberty is beginning earlier.
The study also found that height growth was fastest during the early stages of puberty, with girls growing more than 6 centimeters per year on average—significantly higher than in other growth phases.
Girls who were overweight or obese showed even earlier onset of puberty and menstruation.
Experts Urge Parental Awareness
Health experts say the changing pattern of child development is closely linked to nutrition, urban lifestyles, reduced physical activity, and weight gain.
Diet and the surrounding environment are having a profound impact on children’s development.
“Early physical changes can affect organ health later in life. Parents must pay close attention to children’s diet and encourage an active lifestyle,” she said.
A Wake-Up Call for Parents and Schools
Doctors and pediatric specialists believe such studies are crucial for helping parents and teachers better understand children’s physical development and provide timely guidance. The research serves as a warning that lifestyle choices during childhood can have long-term health consequences.
