Most drinks with caffeine contain high levels of phosphorous. High amounts of phosphorous may weaken bones by pulling calcium from them. High levels of phosphorous also inhibit calcium absorption. A lifetime caffeinated coffee intake equivalent of 2 cups a day is associated with decreased bone density in women who do not consume enough milk or calcium rich foods on a daily basis. Dieting has become a national pastime for many Americans.
Obesity is on the rise in America, and unfortunately many young children are already overweight.
However, teenage girls and even younger girls can begin the dieting process early in life. This is a critical time of growth and development for girls, and one when parents should be on the lookout for signs their daughter may be following an unhealthy diet. Crash dieting is common among teenage girls and can compromise their health if followed for an extended period of time. They begin to miss meals or make excuses about eating. They exclude a major food group from their diet.