With the evolution of humankind, times have dras- tically changed, and people’s lives have become quite quick-paced and fast. People hardly get any spare or free time. That is where the dependency on junk food and fast food starts creeping in as they are prepared quickly and are highly alluring to the taste buds because of the excess amounts of salt and sugar and unhealthy fats present in them. Even though there are certain good fast foods like salad and sandwiches, most junk food falls under the fast-food category itself. These unhealthy foods attract a lot of children and young adults as they are very tasty, are convenient to make (at times it does not need cooking), and have lower prices. However, there are umpteen number of downsides and cons to junk food and continued intake of junk food affects the health of individuals adversely and leads to long-term chronic health issues like cardiovascular diseases and obesity. According to a study conducted by the Women’s and Children’s Health Network, an unhealthy diet impacts the studying habits of children. It plays a significant role in depleting the concentration levels of children and young adults. The excessive amounts of sugar in junk foods prevent children from studying for long hours. Having junk food also leads to obesity, and children then lose the impetus to go out and play. Not playing and not having an active lifestyle leads to a calorie excess food lifestyle of the children, which is perilous to their health. Obesity issues have increased manifolds in young adults and children as the salt-rich foods they consume are detrimental to their health and play a huge role in increasing weight. Children consume lesser fiber and other organic food items like fruits and vegetables and therefore miss out on many nutrients. Junk foods have very limited or no nutrients and are extremely addictive. This was proved by a study published in a research paper named ‘Pediatrics’, published in the year 2004. Hazardous Impacts of junk food Another side effect which obesity has is depression and low self-esteem. Therefore, consuming junk foods is related to a child’s low self-esteem and low self-confidence. They are often ridiculed by their peers for their physique and have negative and detrimental impacts on one’s growth, development, and overall well-being. Certain important and pivotal fatty acids like omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids are missing in junk food. They have severe impacts on the bodies of young adults and children, especially in the manufacture of cell membranes in the body. Proper education about the hazardous impacts of junk foods needs to be given, and parents and guardians need to step up and intervene in the food habits of young adults and children. This age is very formative and having a healthy and balanced diet needs to be of paramount importance.
10 Jan 2022
Sayanta Sengupta
