Experts Reveal Indulgences That Can Lead To Sever Health Challenges

Do you know that some self-indulgencies that we take for granted can actually lead to severe health challenges.

If not, do please pay head to these health experts, what they have to say, and what indulgencies we are actually talking about.

Incidentally, their submission bothers on our social media exposure, which for millions, have become an inevitable addition.

First is Dr Oluwagbemi Ibrahim, a Psychiatrist at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, who has said that social media addiction could lead to depression, anxiety from cyberbullying and unhealthy comparison.

Emphasising that the challenges might eventually lead to suicidal ideations, low self-esteem, poor sleep, reduced attention, memory impairment and poor academic performance, she added that excessive phone and social media use, especially among young people, could cause fatigue, headache, burnout, irritability and eye and visual problems.

“There are also metabolic risks, as excessive social media usage encourages a sedentary lifestyle, which serves as a risk factor for conditions such as weight gain, diabetes, hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases.

“There is the risk of musculoskeletal problems such as wrist and thumb pain, and poor posture leading to chronic pain,” she said.

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According to her, the interventions that can help to mitigate sever health challenges associated with social media addiction in young people include: limiting screen time and avoiding social media before bedtime.

Others she told NAN, include encouraging physical activity, promoting real-life social interaction, observing periods of abstinence from social media, especially when usage becomes excessive, and psychoeducation on healthy media use.

“Social media has no doubt revolutionised us, opening doors of great opportunities and helping to build society.

“However, as we navigate its use, it is imperative to engage responsibly, maximising its benefits and mitigating the harmful effects,” the psychiatrist stressed.

Lending a voice on severe health challenges associated with undue social media exposure, Dr Oluwaseun Iyiola, Senior Registrar, Family Medicine at UCH, Ibadan, listed increased anxiety, low mood and constant comparison, among others as aftermaths.

Iyiola remarked that many young people feel pressured to look perfect, live a “successful” life, or keep up with unrealistic trends.

Emotionally, she adds that it can reduce attention span and make it harder to focus on schoolwork or even conversations.

According to her, some young people also develop dependency and feel restless or upset when they are offline.

“Physically, long hours on phones can cause eye strain, headaches, neck and back pain, and poor posture.

“When screen time replaces movement and sleep, the body also suffers, socially; ironically, too much online interaction can reduce real-life connection.

“Also, some youths withdraw from family activities or struggle with face-to-face communication,” she said.

The family medicine physician emphasised that with many hours spent scrolling, watching videos, or chatting online, there would be less time left for physical activities.

She added that children and adolescents might skip outdoor play, sports, or even simple movement such as walking.

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“This sedentary lifestyle, combined with frequent snacking while using phones, increases the risk of weight gain over time.

“Poor sleep, which often accompanies heavy phone use, also affects hormones that regulate appetite, making weight gain more likely.

“So, while social media does not directly cause obesity, excessive use strongly supports habits that increase the risk.

“Many adolescents stay up late on their phones, especially at night when supervision is lower; notifications, messages, videos, and fear of missing out keep the brain alert when it should be winding down.

“Poor sleep affects mood, memory, learning, and academic performance; over time, sleep deprivation can increase the risk of anxiety, depression, weakened immunity, headaches, and even weight gain,” she said.

To reduce health risks from social media addiction in young people, Iyiola said simple and practical steps could work better.

She recommends that setting clear limits on screen time, especially at night, is very effective to avoiding severe health challenges.