John Tomac illustrated a story for The Record about the phenomenon of girls reaching puberty earlier than ever before, some as young as eight or nine years old. Some believe the shift in development is related to obesity, others suspect it might be from the hormones injected into livestock that eventually enter the food chain.

There are short- and long-term problems associated with maturing physically too soon. These girls are at often the targets of bullying (She's different, let's all make fun of her!) and misplaced expectations from their peers and teachers (Why isn't she acting as mature as she looks?). They also have a higher risk of cancer later in life.