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Addiction to junk food triggers heart problems at an early age

Chiedza Matenga
LAST week we looked at the problems with being addicted to the internet and social networking.
This week we take it even further and look at some other areas in a teen’s life where addiction could be equally harmful.Another form of addiction comes through an obsession with looks by both sexes.

The problem comes when we go to extremes about this. Some teens have self-perception problems because they want to look exactly like a celebrity that they admire.

As a result you have people going on funny diets which are not suitable for a growing teen. Some girls end up becoming anaemic because their diet is not balanced as they want to lose weight. A popular musician and adviser on confidence once said: “You have to stand up and say ‘There is nothing wrong with me or my shape or who I am, you’re the one with the problem’ and when you really believe that all of a sudden people start believing it too.”

So, no need to become an addict.  On the flip side junk food is also fast becoming yet another addiction for teens. I am not saying that you must stop eating pizza and burgers and ice cream and all things nice. But you cannot live on that even if your parents can afford to give you an allowance to buy it every day.

First of all, such food will make you obese. That means by the time you hit 20 you will most probably be struggling with health issues like heart problems. Pretty scary.

Secondly, this food is expensive and some teens may end up exchanging sexual favours just to get that pizza. There are sugar daddies and cougars out to get you for the price of an ice cream if you are not careful.

Food addiction goes beyond junk. You could get addicted to eating just about anything. You can get too much of anything even foodstuffs like fruit which are supposed to be good for you. So indulge yourself once in a while but do not make a habit of greed and gluttony.

Many kids think it is cool to drink and smoke but we all know many peers who have ruined their lives because of those two things when they become addictive.

How many teens have been expelled from school for acting unruly while drunk? How many teen girls have ended up with unplanned pregnancies because they lost control of their lives one drunken day?

Caffeine is another dangerous drug for teens especially now that it is being mixed in some alcoholic drinks. This makes it easier for teens to drink more and party more. But unfortunately it does not make your body ready for all that alcohol and some teens have died after these mad parties.

These are just a few examples of addictions that can catch you un- awares and ruin your life. So as you have fun this festive season, remember to do everything in moderation.

Let your teen years be something to remember with joy not regret.