JUNK FOOD EFFECTS

JUNK FOOD EFFECTS

As one walks down the average American street, one can spot dozens of fast food chains, restaurants, and grocery stores filled with unhealthy foods. It is very common to see several McDonalds’ restaurants on one’s commute to work, and at the corners of major streets. Junk food is everywhere, and nearly inescapable unless one makes a concentrated effort to eat healthier foods. While incredibly convenient, the modern addiction to junk foods has severe health consequences for anyone indulging in this low hanging fruit. The consequences of the over consumption of junk food include obesity and the resulting debilitating illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes.

The first effect of the over consumption of junk food is obesity. Frequent consumption of junk food, combined with the sedentary lifestyle seen in the Western world has led to obesity reaching pandemic proportions. Large minorities within North American and European countries are categorized as obese, which leads to increased healthcare costs for those nations. The problem with obesity is that it is not a singular effect; it is a base effect which leads to further health-related consequences. Long term obesity leads to highly increased risks of heart disease and cancer (Friedenreich, 2001). These are highly debilitating illnesses which significantly affect the life expectancy and life quality of those affected.

Another consequence of a diet rich in junk foods is the fact that such a diet is highly deficient in the proper vitamins, minerals and proteins that a human body needs for sustained function. Such dietary deficiencies can lead to illnesses such as rickets and scurvy (Gartner & Greer, 2003). While lacking in some nutrients, junk food is overabundant in others. Junk food is frequently filled with high amounts of sugars and salts; much more than is recommended for daily intake. The over consumption of sugar in the long term leads to various forms of diabetes, which negatively impacts the ability of the pancreas to control blood sugar levels (Johnson, et al., 2007). In extreme cases, this can lead to blindness or amputation.

To sum up, junk food may be highly convenient and delicious, but it is also something that must be regulated and consumed only in moderation, as the effects of overconsumption are devastating.

TALAL SULTAN