Caution against mushrooming gyms

There is hardly any area left in Dhaka city, which does not have a fitness centre. Gyms are also available in almost every urban area in the country. The number of such centres is increasing day by day to cater to the increasing demand. Previously limited to the affluent class, the trend of doing gym is getting popular among the mid-income groups also.
Youngsters nowadays want to look lean and fit. Many of them sometimes follow different fad diets to reach their goals including ketogenic, low carbs, paleo by totally eliminating different food groups such as carbs, fats and some essential minerals and vitamins from their diet. In the short-term, the results seem to be very satisfying but in the longer run they end up developing unhealthier relationship with foods and eating disorders. Due to this they may finish up regaining more weight than they lost.
Now-a-days, there is an alarming increase in the percentage of youngsters using steroids. Steroids are harmful for anyone's health. However, many gym instructors and trainers, having no certification or credentials for training others, openly promote and sell steroids to young people. It is time our youths understood that their health is of utmost importance. The concerned authorities should also monitor these fitness centres and their activities, and act accordingly.

Afroza Sheikh,
Dania, Dhaka,
ilcbd2008@gmail.com