Junk food is defined as an empty calorie food, which is high in calorie and low in essential nutrients that our body needs to stay healthy. Common junk foods include salted snack foods, fried fast food, and carbonated drinks that contains little or no proteins, vitamins or minerals but are rich in salt, sugar, fats and are high in energy (calories). It is now available all over the world and as shown an enormous and steady growth.In 2006 alone the market has reached to $102.4 billion with an annual growth rate of 4.8% (Adams, 2007).There are many causes behind people eating junk food and the effects can be deadly, this essay will discuss both as well as possible solutions to solve this big problem.
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There are many reasons for the popularity of fast food. One of the main reasons is the change in lifestyle. People are working long hours and shifts, so they don't have time to find ingredients or prepare healthy food, so they end up eating junk food because it is easy to prepare and ready to consume within no time. For such people junk food is an easy and cost effective solution. Also it has a great taste that is achieved owing to lavish usage of oils, salts and sugar. In addition to, Packing of such foods has very attractive appearance by adding food additives and colours. Morever, advertising has a major role in attracting the public, particularly children and adolescents to the junk food selling joints.
The major and the biggest drawback of fast food is that it is unhealthy and cause serious health problems. It contains large amounts of fat, and as fat accumulates in your body, you'll gain weight and could become obese. The more weight you gain, the more you'll be at risk for serious chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and arthritis. You could even have a heart attack. In addition to, it affects your energy levels because it doesn't contain the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy.