Today, fast food outlets are bursting with people-age and sex no bar. They serve as a meeting point for teens. They have large customers in waiting. The results of this indulgence are out! The present day teenagers are plumper than those of yesteryears. Many are overweight and some are alarmingly obese.

Serious health problems like diabetes, heart problems and high blood pressure are affecting people in their 20s and 30s. Stomach upsets are common too! The situation is bad in big cities. Thanks to a staple diet of a variety of fast food.

Nutritionists, dietitians and physicians are screaming hoarse over the ill effects of fast food. Many refer to these as ‘junk food’ in an attempt to dissuade people from consuming them but in vain. Youngsters have got hooked onto these foods. Some do know that these foods are damaging but then they find it impossible to give up these tasty bites. It is truly a catch-22 situation. The western culture has always mesmerized our teens and fast foods are no exception. Teenagers have embraced junk jewellery, fast life, fast music and now fast food.

The question that surfaces repeatedly in people’s minds is, “why is it said that these foods are bad? Aren’t they foods too? Well the reasons are many.

Many fast foods are junk and provide empty calories and no vital nutrients. If consumed over a period, the body becomes malnourished which is bad. This condition lowers the immunity level and may invite infections. They are harmful for those suffering from high blood pressure. Most of these foods are prepared in advance and have preservatives and additives added to increase their shelf life and enhance taste.

Although the small print on the labels says, “permitted colors, flavors, preservatives and additives used,” we are not aware of their identity, quality and quantity used.

Too much of these when ingested are bound to be harmful. They also burden the kidneys, the filters of our body. Rich and spicy foods also affect the acid-base balance of the body. It has been proven by research that a steady high intake of sugar, fat, white flour and caffeine has a depressing effect on the person or can accelerate depression.