Absent any supporting data it's just a weird personal observation and comes off a bit creepy. I'm not saying the author is a creep, it's just a very peculiar way to make a point that could be made much less oddly. Do 1st graders need to have assess commented on and compared to 16 year olds (another group whose asses most of us do not observe with intention)? Why not just make a comment about weight generally?

Because body development is a science. Alterations to development patterns are sometimes linked to exposure to chemicals and such. For instance, back in the 90s some male kids grew breast tissues after exposure to then-common synthetic fragrances. It may be creepy, but someone has to notice these things as the proverbial canary in the coalmine.

> It may be creepy, but someone has to notice these things as the proverbial canary in the coalmine.

I do not disagree, but there is a way to notice it and comment on it that has far less probability of being considered "creepy" by someone reading. The author is of course free to do as they please, doesn't make their point any more right or wrong.