News
October 03, 2025
Teenage boys and protein — the dangers of bars and shakes
Health and fitness experts including Joe Wicks are worried about the rise of this type of ‘sports nutrition’
**Teenage Boys and Protein: Experts Warn of Dangers in Bars and Shakes**
Health and fitness experts, including the popular fitness coach Joe Wicks, are raising concerns about the increasing popularity and potential dangers of protein bars and shakes among teenage boys. These "sports nutrition" products, often marketed as a quick and easy way to build muscle and improve athletic performance, are becoming increasingly prevalent in the diets of young men, prompting a wave of worry from those in the health field.
The concern stems from the potential for excessive protein intake and the hidden ingredients often found in these processed products. While protein is essential for growth and development, teenage boys generally obtain sufficient amounts through a balanced diet. Supplementing with protein bars and shakes can lead to an overconsumption of protein, potentially straining the kidneys and liver, especially in individuals with pre-existing conditions.
Moreover, many protein bars and shakes are packed with added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and other additives that can contribute to weight gain, blood sugar imbalances, and other health problems. The convenience factor of these products can also lead to unhealthy eating habits, replacing whole, nutritious foods with processed alternatives.
Joe Wicks and other health professionals are emphasizing the importance of educating teenagers about the risks associated with relying on protein supplements. They advocate for a balanced diet rich in lean protein sources like chicken, fish, beans, and lentils, combined with regular exercise, as the most effective and healthy way to build muscle and improve athletic performance.
Experts are also urging parents and schools to play a more active role in promoting healthy eating habits and providing accurate information about nutrition to teenagers. They suggest focusing on whole foods, balanced meals, and age-appropriate exercise routines, rather than relying on quick-fix solutions offered by the sports nutrition industry. The message is clear: a healthy lifestyle built on a foundation of real food and consistent exercise is far more beneficial and sustainable than relying on processed protein supplements.
Health and fitness experts, including the popular fitness coach Joe Wicks, are raising concerns about the increasing popularity and potential dangers of protein bars and shakes among teenage boys. These "sports nutrition" products, often marketed as a quick and easy way to build muscle and improve athletic performance, are becoming increasingly prevalent in the diets of young men, prompting a wave of worry from those in the health field.
The concern stems from the potential for excessive protein intake and the hidden ingredients often found in these processed products. While protein is essential for growth and development, teenage boys generally obtain sufficient amounts through a balanced diet. Supplementing with protein bars and shakes can lead to an overconsumption of protein, potentially straining the kidneys and liver, especially in individuals with pre-existing conditions.
Moreover, many protein bars and shakes are packed with added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and other additives that can contribute to weight gain, blood sugar imbalances, and other health problems. The convenience factor of these products can also lead to unhealthy eating habits, replacing whole, nutritious foods with processed alternatives.
Joe Wicks and other health professionals are emphasizing the importance of educating teenagers about the risks associated with relying on protein supplements. They advocate for a balanced diet rich in lean protein sources like chicken, fish, beans, and lentils, combined with regular exercise, as the most effective and healthy way to build muscle and improve athletic performance.
Experts are also urging parents and schools to play a more active role in promoting healthy eating habits and providing accurate information about nutrition to teenagers. They suggest focusing on whole foods, balanced meals, and age-appropriate exercise routines, rather than relying on quick-fix solutions offered by the sports nutrition industry. The message is clear: a healthy lifestyle built on a foundation of real food and consistent exercise is far more beneficial and sustainable than relying on processed protein supplements.
Category:
Politics