Junk foods are food and drinks with low nutritional value (e.g. vitamins, minerals and fibre) and high in kilojoules, fat, sugars and/or salt. On the other hand, fast foods are a type of food you get from a restaurant designed to be delivered to you in the quickest way possible. Some fast foods can be healthy, but typically most fast foods are junk food. For example, salad, sushi and sandwiches are healthy forms of fast food. However, most fast food restaurants, such as McDonalds or KFC serve unhealthy junk food.  In Australia, 35% of an average adult’s daily energy intake and 41% of children’s daily energy intake comes from junk food.

While the occasional night of junk food won’t hurt much, eating Junk foods regular has been shown to lead to increased risks of obesity and chronic diseases. Cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and some cancers all have causes in excessive junk food consumption. Further, the specific content of many fast foods can have negative side effects for your body

Junk food high in sodium can lead to increased headaches and migraine

Junk food high in carbs can trigger outbreaks of acne

Eating excessive amounts of junk food may increase your risk of depression

The carbs and sugar in fast foods can lead to dental cavities

Fried foods are filled with trans fats which raise LDL cholesterol levels

Fast food is filled with empty carbohydrates, which can lead to increased blood sugar and insulin resistance

Increased sodium levels can lead to your body retaining excessive water, leading to bloating