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New Delhi. Children’s eyes light up on hearing the names of pizza, burger, French fries, chips and cold drinks. But this glow is slowly tarnishing his health. Scientific research has warned that junk food not only increases body weight but also badly affects the mental development, hormonal balance and entire lifestyle of children.

Fills the stomach, but does not nourish

The root of the problem lies in the texture of these food items. These are rich in calories, sugar, salt and trans fat, while protein, vitamins, fiber and minerals are missing. The result is that despite the child’s stomach being full, the body continues to crave for nutrition.

Foundation of diabetes and heart diseases in childhood

According to Dr. Shubhada Bhanot, Chief Diabetes Educator, Max Healthcare, New Delhi, addiction to junk food in childhood first leads to obesity. When children consume more calories than required and do not do physical exercise, fat starts accumulating in the body. This childhood obesity can later lead to type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, fatty liver and heart diseases.

It also affects the brain

The effect of junk food is not limited to the body only. Studies have found that the ability to concentrate becomes weaker in children who eat more processed food. Irritability, mood swings, unnecessary fatigue and severe lack of concentration are seen in such children. Some researches are even pointing towards poor eating habits as the reason for increasing anxiety and depression in children.

The habit of whole life is spoiling the taste.

Children’s taste preferences change due to continuous eating of food high in salt, sugar and fat. They start running away from nutritious things like fruits, vegetables, pulses and milk. This causes severe deficiency of essential elements like iron, calcium and vitamin D in the body, which has a direct impact on their height, bones and brain development. This childhood habit often becomes a lifelong disease.

Big danger for teenage girls

Doctors have especially warned for teenage girls. Excessive sugar and refined carbohydrates present in junk food increase insulin resistance, which can lead to complex hormonal disorders like PCOS. This can cause irregular periods, weight gain, unwanted facial hair and reproductive problems in the future.

We need understanding, not just prohibition.

Experts say that to fight this problem, merely scolding children is not enough. Parents, schools and society together have to explain to children the importance of a balanced diet. We will have to develop the habit of keeping alternatives like lemonade, buttermilk and coconut water instead of cold drinks and dry fruits and nuts instead of chips at home. It is equally important to reduce the screen time of children and take them to the playground.

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