JUNK food has become increasingly popular with Pakistanis, particularly the younger lot, and has adversely affected the dietary habits of our people.

Wherever one goes these days, one comes across advertisements for fried food and other goodies.

The down side is that these so-called goodies are packed with saturated fat, salt and sugar. It is then but natural that people fall into this bad habit of gorging themselves on junk food.

These unhealthy diets play a major role in obesity and contribute to other ailments like cancer and hormonal imbalance.

An effective way to curb unhealthy diet would be to impose a ban on fast food advertisements and undertake a media campaign to increase awareness among children about the pitfalls of fast food.

All children must be inculcated with the habit of having healthy food. The schools can do their bit by asking parents to pack healthy lunches for their wards.

There should also be a nationwide campaign to promote physical exercise to ensure a healthy mind and body for all citizens.

Sundus Fahim

Islamabad

Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2018