Fat toddlers may look cute and healthy to some, but in the long run, cuteness may ultimately have its high price.

Researchers at the University of Michigan did a follow-up study on an earlier research conducted at the University of Bristol correlating childhood obesity with premature puberty in young girls.

In a study of 354 girls, it was revealed that manifestations of adolescence were already visible on more than half of the respondents by age nine. This included monthly periods and the budding of breasts.

Early puberty can be distressing for young girls who cannot fully understand what they are going through says Helen Crocker, research dietitian at University College London. UK studies show, however, that distress may only be one of the bad effects of an early puberty. According to the Bristol report, these kids are also more likely to develop breast cancer. On the social side, they are also more likely to start drinking alcohol and sexual activity ahead of their peers.

"Previous studies had found that girls who have earlier puberty tend to have higher body mass index, but it was unclear whether puberty led to the weight gain or weight gain led to the earlier onset of puberty," says Dr. Joyce Lee of the University of Michigan.

The generally accepted age when puberty normally starts is at 10 years. Parents of fat toddlers are encouraged to have the body mass index of their child calculated by a pediatrician to determine if their child is overweight so that appropriate measures may be taken to avoid premature adolescence.