Children around the world are increasingly attracted to junk food and are compromising their health and well-being.
The proliferation of fast food chains, stores and advertisements targeting the minds of young people has increased obesity, diabetes and other food-related disorders in children.
Health experts are advocating for stricter regulations to limit food advertising, better nutrition labeling and increase access to healthy food options in schools and communities.
According to health experts, about 30 percent of children aged 5 to 18 are overweight and obese, and junk food is the main reason for this.
Pediatrician Waseem Malik said that the alarming increase in childhood obesity is a time bomb for the health care system.
He added that junk food is a major ‘culprit’ because it is high in calories, sugar and unhealthy fats but low in essential nutrients.
Junk food is responsible for a number of health problems, from obesity and diabetes to heart disease and certain types of cancer. Furthermore, children who regularly eat junk food have increased insulin resistance and are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
