Fatty diet during pregnancy can cause premature puberty

According to a new study from New Zealand, a high-fat diet during pregnancy and while nursing may cause early puberty in children.

An early menstrual period is also a risk factor for insulin resistance, teenage depression, and breast cancer later in life.

Researchers tested rats while they were pregnant and breastfeeding. Results showed the onset of puberty was much earlier in rats whose mothers had a high fat diet compared with those on a regular diet.