Kathmandu, June 19

As our society grows more competitive and challenging, youths today are forced to juggle between work, school, and keep up with desired body images.

With media and society projecting an ideal ‘body type’ standard, cases of anorexia and bulimia in the capital have gone up, with dangerous health implications.

“Many young people today don’t eat as much as they should, or what they should, and have developed a multitude of psychological and physical health problems,” nutritionist Dr Aruna Uprety said.

Dr Uprety said this can increase the risks of malnutrition, constipation, high blood pressure, diabetes, and anemia in youths.

“Many working students no longer have the time to cook for themselves and eat junk food, which will undoubtedly have negative effects on their health,” she said.

Samjhana Khadka, a student at Bageshwori College, Bhaktapur said, “My college starts at 6:00 am, and I have to be at work by 10:00 am. There is no time in between for a proper meal. When I get home, I am too tired to cook, so I make do with junk food.” Khadka works to support her family and pay for her education.

Rina Chikanbanjar, a student RR Campus, Kathmandu, said, “I often get sick. I don’t have the time to cook a meal and eat at home, what with college and work pressures.” Chikanbanjar was recently diagnosed with gastritis.

Dr Uprety advised youngsters to allot part of their time to prepare and have home-cooked foods. “Home-cooked meals are always the healthiest choice. I believe that youths must take time to cook for themselves,” she said.