Junk food - Definition and Overview

Junk food is a derogatory term, used for any food that is perceived to be unhealthy and has low or poor nutritional value. A diet rich in junk food is the antithesis of a "balanced diet", as suggested by the USRDA Food Pyramid. The term has been used by many different groups over the years including opponents of fast food industries and environmentalists.

Junk food is relatively cheap to manufacture, is convenient to consume, and has a lot of flavor because of its typically high fat, sodium, or sugar content. Its nutritional value is typically very high in calories.

Detrimental health effects

Due to its inherent attractiveness, junk food has evolved into a large, world-wide industry. Standard industrial manufacturing and marketing techniques have been successful in increasing consumption of "unbalanced" junk food diets to the extent that many consider it to be a serious health problem in some countries. It is heavily advertised to young people, who often favor taste over nutritional value.

A diet high in junk food is widely considered by the medical community to substantially increase the risks of health problems such as obesity, osteoporosis and heart disease. A diet composed entirely of junk food may lead to malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies and other serious health problems.

Examples

• Potato chips
• Soft drinks
• Hamburgers (with a high percentage of fat and additional sauces, etc)
• French fries

See also

• Fast food
• Supersize Me