A recent study indicates that American girls are starting their periods about six months earlier than previous generations. Traditionally, higher obesity levels were thought to cause this trend, but new research points to diet as the critical factor. By analyzing data from over 7,500 children in the Growing Up Today Study, researchers found a healthier diet is associated with later menstruation onset, independent of body mass index or height. This study highlights the importance of access to healthy meals for children's development, advocating for better nutrition in schools.
Getting a period is a social and developmental milestone that many American girls are reaching earlier than their mothers and grandmothers, about six months earlier on average.
Researchers have concluded that eating a healthy diet as a child is linked to a later onset of menstruation, regardless of body mass index or height.
Holly Harris emphasized the importance of all children having access to healthy meal options and the necessity for school-based meals to follow evidence-based guidelines.
This study marks the first time researchers investigated the link between diet and menarche, providing a new perspective in public health discussions.
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