Easy to make and consume and served from roadside corners to malls and restaurants, from school canteens to offices, the consumption of junk food has been linked to various health issues that can have a significant impact on human lives according to publication in National Library of Medicine. Junk food, which is often high in calories, sugar, and saturated fat, can contribute to the development of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
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Obesity is a major health concern as it increases the risk for a number of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2011, estimated that poor diet and physical inactivity, which are often associated with the consumption of junk food, are responsible for more deaths each year than tobacco use. The study found that poor diet and lack of physical activity were responsible for about 678,000 deaths annually in the United States, which is more than the number of deaths caused by tobacco.
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Diabetes is another health issue that is associated with the consumption of junk food. A diet high in sugar and processed foods can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes as published in European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2013 found that a diet high in processed foods was associated with a higher risk of mortality. The study also found that a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains was associated with a lower risk of mortality.
Heart disease is another major concern when it comes to the consumption of junk food. A diet high in saturated fat and cholesterol can contribute to the development of heart disease by increasing the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity. This is according to a research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology in 2017 which found that a diet high in processed foods was associated with a higher risk of heart disease.
Another serious health issue that has been linked to the consumption of junk food is cancer. A diet high in processed foods, sugar, and saturated fat has been associated with an increased risk of certain cancers such as colorectal, breast and prostate cancer as reported in CNN news . A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2016 (4) found that a diet high in processed foods was associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
In conclusion, consuming a diet high in junk food can have serious health consequences and can threaten human lives. It increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. It is important to be aware of the potential dangers of consuming a diet high in junk food and to make healthier food choices to promote better health and longevity.
