GIRLS are reaching puberty up to two years earlier than their grandmothers, research has revealed.

Poor diet, obesity, lack of exercise and broken families are being blamed for early puberty among today's pre-teenage girls.

Psychologist Dr Aric Sigman studied three different generations across Britain.

His report indicates that obesity, lack of exercise, family environment and television could all influence the timing of puberty.

As new generations of girls become successively heavier they are reaching puberty earlier.

Find out about the effects of unhealthy diets on girls' puberty at http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk.