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The Impacts of Junk Food on Health

Energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods, otherwise known as junk foods, have never been more accessible and available. Young people are bombarded with unhealthy junk-food choices daily, and this can lead to life-long dietary habits that are difficult to undo. In this article, we explore the scientific evidence behind both the short-term and long-term impacts of junk food consumption on our health.

Introduction

The world is currently facing an obesity epidemic, which puts people at risk for chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Junk food can contribute to obesity and yet it is becoming a part of our everyday lives because of our fast-paced lifestyles. Life can be jam-packed when you are juggling school, sport, and hanging with friends and family! Junk food companies make food convenient, tasty, and affordable, so it has largely replaced preparing and eating healthy homemade meals. Junk foods include foods like burgers, fried chicken, and pizza from fast-food restaurants, as well as packaged foods like chips, biscuits, and ice-cream, sugar-sweetened beverages like soda, fatty meats like bacon, sugary cereals, and frozen ready meals like lasagne. These are typically highly processed foods , meaning several steps were involved in making the food, with a focus on making them tasty and thus easy to overeat. Unfortunately, junk foods provide lots of calories and energy, but little of the vital nutrients our bodies need to grow and be healthy, like proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Australian teenagers aged 14–18 years get more than 40% of their daily energy from these types of foods, which is concerning [ 1 ]. Junk foods are also known as discretionary foods , which means they are “not needed to meet nutrient requirements and do not belong to the five food groups” [ 2 ]. According to the dietary guidelines of Australian and many other countries, these five food groups are grains and cereals, vegetables and legumes, fruits, dairy and dairy alternatives, and meat and meat alternatives.

Young people are often the targets of sneaky advertising tactics by junk food companies, which show our heroes and icons promoting junk foods. In Australia, cricket, one of our favorite sports, is sponsored by a big fast-food brand. Elite athletes like cricket players are not fuelling their bodies with fried chicken, burgers, and fries! A study showed that adolescents aged 12–17 years view over 14.4 million food advertisements in a single year on popular websites, with cakes, cookies, and ice cream being the most frequently advertised products [ 3 ]. Another study examining YouTube videos popular amongst children reported that 38% of all ads involved a food or beverage and 56% of those food ads were for junk foods [ 4 ].

What Happens to Our Bodies Shortly After We Eat Junk Foods?

Food is made up of three major nutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. There are also vitamins and minerals in food that support good health, growth, and development. Getting the proper nutrition is very important during our teenage years. However, when we eat junk foods, we are consuming high amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, which are quickly absorbed by the body.

Let us take the example of eating a hamburger. A burger typically contains carbohydrates from the bun, proteins and fats from the beef patty, and fats from the cheese and sauce. On average, a burger from a fast-food chain contains 36–40% of your daily energy needs and this does not account for any chips or drinks consumed with it ( Figure 1 ). This is a large amount of food for the body to digest—not good if you are about to hit the cricket pitch!

Figure 1 - The nutritional composition of a popular burger from a famous fast-food restaurant, detailing the average quantity per serving and per 100 g.

Figure 1 - The nutritional composition of a popular burger from a famous fast-food restaurant, detailing the average quantity per serving and per 100 g.
The carbohydrates of a burger are mainly from the bun, while the protein comes from the beef patty. Large amounts of fat come from the cheese and sauce. Based on the Australian dietary guidelines, just one burger can be 36% of the recommended daily energy intake for teenage boys aged 12–15 years and 40% of the recommendations for teenage girls 12–15 years.

A few hours to a few days after eating rich, heavy foods such as a burger, unpleasant symptoms like tiredness, poor sleep, and even hunger can result ( Figure 2 ). Rather than providing an energy boost, junk foods can lead to a lack of energy. For a short time, sugar (a type of carbohydrate) makes people feel energized, happy, and upbeat as it is used by the body for energy. However, refined sugar , which is the type of sugar commonly found in junk foods, leads to a quick drop in blood sugar levels because it is digested quickly by the body. This can lead tiredness and cravings [ 5 ].

Figure 2 - The short- and long-term impacts of junk food consumption.

Figure 2 - The short- and long-term impacts of junk food consumption.
In the short-term, junk foods can make you feel tired, bloated, and unable to concentrate. Long-term, junk foods can lead to tooth decay and poor bowel habits. Junk foods can also lead to obesity and associated diseases such as heart disease. When junk foods are regularly consumed over long periods of time, the damages and complications to health are increasingly costly.

Fiber is a good carbohydrate commonly found in vegetables, fruits, barley, legumes, nuts, and seeds—foods from the five food groups. Fiber not only keeps the digestive system healthy, but also slows the stomach’s emptying process, keeping us feeling full for longer. Junk foods tend to lack fiber, so when we eat them, we notice decreasing energy and increasing hunger sooner.

Foods such as walnuts, berries, tuna, and green veggies can boost concentration levels. This is particularly important for young minds who are doing lots of schoolwork. These foods are what most elite athletes are eating! On the other hand, eating junk foods can lead to poor concentration. Eating junk foods can lead to swelling in the part of the brain that has a major role in memory. A study performed in humans showed that eating an unhealthy breakfast high in fat and sugar for 4 days in a row caused disruptions to the learning and memory parts of the brain [ 6 ].

Long-Term Impacts of Junk Foods

If we eat mostly junk foods over many weeks, months, or years, there can be several long-term impacts on health ( Figure 2 ). For example, high saturated fat intake is strongly linked with high levels of bad cholesterol in the blood, which can be a sign of heart disease. Respected research studies found that young people who eat only small amounts of saturated fat have lower total cholesterol levels [ 7 ].

Frequent consumption of junk foods can also increase the risk of diseases such as hypertension and stroke. Hypertension is also known as high blood pressure and a stroke is damage to the brain from reduced blood supply, which prevents the brain from receiving the oxygen and nutrients it needs to survive. Hypertension and stroke can occur because of the high amounts of cholesterol and salt in junk foods.

Furthermore, junk foods can trigger the “happy hormone,” dopamine , to be released in the brain, making us feel good when we eat these foods. This can lead us to wanting more junk food to get that same happy feeling again [ 8 ]. Other long-term effects of eating too much junk food include tooth decay and constipation. Soft drinks, for instance, can cause tooth decay due to high amounts of sugar and acid that can wear down the protective tooth enamel. Junk foods are typically low in fiber too, which has negative consequences for gut health in the long term. Fiber forms the bulk of our poop and without it, it can be hard to poop!

Tips for Being Healthy

One way to figure out whether a food is a junk food is to think about how processed it is. When we think of foods in their whole and original forms, like a fresh tomato, a grain of rice, or milk squeezed from a cow, we can then start to imagine how many steps are involved to transform that whole food into something that is ready-to-eat, tasty, convenient, and has a long shelf life.

For teenagers 13–14 years old, the recommended daily energy intake is 8,200–9,900 kJ/day or 1,960 kcal-2,370 kcal/day for boys and 7,400–8,200 kJ/day or 1,770–1,960 kcal for girls, according to the Australian dietary guidelines. Of course, the more physically active you are, the higher your energy needs. Remember that junk foods are okay to eat occasionally, but they should not make up more than 10% of your daily energy intake. In a day, this may be a simple treat such as a small muffin or a few squares of chocolate. On a weekly basis, this might mean no more than two fast-food meals per week. The remaining 90% of food eaten should be from the five food groups.

In conclusion, we know that junk foods are tasty, affordable, and convenient. This makes it hard to limit the amount of junk food we eat. However, if junk foods become a staple of our diets, there can be negative impacts on our health. We should aim for high-fiber foods such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits; meals that have moderate amounts of sugar and salt; and calcium-rich and iron-rich foods. Healthy foods help to build strong bodies and brains. Limiting junk food intake can happen on an individual level, based on our food choices, or through government policies and health-promotion strategies. We need governments to stop junk food companies from advertising to young people, and we need their help to replace junk food restaurants with more healthy options. Researchers can focus on education and health promotion around healthy food options and can work with young people to develop solutions. If we all work together, we can help young people across the world to make food choices that will improve their short and long-term health.

Obesity : ↑ A disorder where too much body fat increases the risk of health problems.

Processed Food : ↑ A raw agricultural food that has undergone processes to be washed, ground, cleaned and/or cooked further.

Discretionary Food : ↑ Foods and drinks not necessary to provide the nutrients the body needs but that may add variety to a person’s diet (according to the Australian dietary guidelines).

Refined Sugar : ↑ Sugar that has been processed from raw sources such as sugar cane, sugar beets or corn.

Saturated Fat : ↑ A type of fat commonly eaten from animal sources such as beef, chicken and pork, which typically promotes the production of “bad” cholesterol in the body.

Dopamine : ↑ A hormone that is released when the brain is expecting a reward and is associated with activities that generate pleasure, such as eating or shopping.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

[1] ↑ Australian Bureau of Statistics. 2013. 4324.0.55.002 - Microdata: Australian Health Survey: Nutrition and Physical Activity, 2011-12 . Australian Bureau of Statistics. Available online at: http://bit.ly/2jkRRZO (accessed December 13, 2019).

[2] ↑ National Health and Medical Research Council. 2013. Australian Dietary Guidelines Summary . Canberra, ACT: National Health and Medical Research Council.

[3] ↑ Potvin Kent, M., and Pauzé, E. 2018. The frequency and healthfulness of food and beverages advertised on adolescents’ preferred web sites in Canada. J. Adolesc. Health. 63:102–7. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2018.01.007

[4] ↑ Tan, L., Ng, S. H., Omar, A., and Karupaiah, T. 2018. What’s on YouTube? A case study on food and beverage advertising in videos targeted at children on social media. Child Obes. 14:280–90. doi: 10.1089/chi.2018.0037

[5] ↑ Gómez-Pinilla, F. 2008. Brain foods: the effects of nutrients on brain function. Nat. Rev. Neurosci. 9, 568–78. doi: 10.1038/nrn2421

[6] ↑ Attuquayefio, T., Stevenson, R. J., Oaten, M. J., and Francis, H. M. 2017. A four-day western-style dietary intervention causes reductions in hippocampal-dependent learning and memory and interoceptive sensitivity. PLoS ONE . 12:e0172645. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172645

[7] ↑ Te Morenga, L., and Montez, J. 2017. Health effects of saturated and trans-fatty acid intake in children and adolescents: systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS ONE. 12:e0186672. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186672

[8] ↑ Reichelt, A. C. 2016. Adolescent maturational transitions in the prefrontal cortex and dopamine signaling as a risk factor for the development of obesity and high fat/high sugar diet induced cognitive deficits. Front. Behav. Neurosci. 10. doi: 10.3389/fnbeh.2016.00189

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Essay on Junk Food: Samples in 150, 250 Words

Updated on
Oct 5, 2023

Food is the main source of energy. It is important to consume healthy food. Any food product that contains a high percentage of saturated fats or trans fats is referred to as Junk food. The term junk itself indicates that it is harmful to our health. To lead a healthy lifestyle it is important to avoid the overconsumption of junk food. However, junk food has gained popularity because we consume it on a regular basis. Here we have provided an essay on junk food for children and school-going students. It will provide a general overview of how to draft an essay on junk food. Continue reading!

Essay on Junk Food in 150 Words

Junk food has become a prevalent component of the modern diet. It is not only attracting the young generation but is also getting induced in their daily diet. Habitual consumption of junk food causes serious health issues because it is high in calorie content. Processed food with high content of saturated and trans fats, or high sugar content comes under this category.

Street food places and the majority of food chains and restaurants are serving food in high quantities, thereby reducing the consumption of healthier options. People are now prioritizing taste and neglecting the culinary diversity of traditional food.

Another aspect of the over-consumption of junk food is ordering food on a daily basis due to a busy schedule. Besides that, munching on snacks to satisfy hunger is another bad habit that leads to health issues. Such food products lack nutritional components such as dietary fibres, protein, vitamins, iron, etc.

To conclude, health is an important part of life so, it is important to take care of healthy food habits and avoid the excess consumption of unhealthy or junk food.

Also Read: Tips for cooking while studying abroad

Essay on Junk Food in 250 Words

Junk food refers to the unhealthy food. Consumption of junk food such as pizzas, burgers, fried items, pastries, etc. has alarming consequences. Its effect is witnessed as the global obesity epidemic because the masses are more inclined towards eating junk food.

Impact of Consuming Junk Food

Food high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats contributes to weight gain. It will ultimately cause obesity. Obesity is the key source of other diseases that are difficult to cure. Some of the chronic diseases that occur due to the consumption of junk food are high risk of heart failure, GIT disorders, hypertension, diabetes, etc. So, it is crucial to eliminate or reduce the consumption of unhealthy food and replace it with nutritional food.

Affordability

Another factor that contributes a lot in favour of a high intake of junk food is its affordability. Junk food is more accessible as it is available on the streets at a cheaper price. The price factor affects people who cannot afford healthier options. Thus, people tend to consume junk food that is comparatively more affordable and accessible.

Taste over Nutritional Value

Nowadays, people are more inclined towards enjoying the taste of food. It’s obvious that crispy and spicy food will attract you more as compared to salads and pulses i.e. much healthier options with high nutritional values. Consuming junk food on a regular basis has become common for many, and this has led to homogeneity in their diets. So, it’s important to choose the healthy option over a tastier option to minimize the negative health impact due to junk food.

In conclusion, having junk food occasionally is acceptable when you visit any party or celebrate any occasion. However, its regular consumption will disturb your dietary habits and also hamper your health for the long term.

Also Read: Taking Care of Mental Health while Studying Abroad

Kajal Thareja

Hi, I am Kajal, a pharmacy graduate, currently pursuing management and is an experienced content writer. I have 2-years of writing experience in Ed-tech (digital marketing) company. I am passionate towards writing blogs and am on the path of discovering true potential professionally in the field of content marketing. I am engaged in writing creative content for students which is simple yet creative and engaging and leaves an impact on the reader's mind.

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Harmful Effects of Junk Food Essay

Essay on Harmful Effects of Junk Food

Junk food is easily accessible, convenient and affordable to everyone. These properties of junk foods entice many people around the world to consume them in excess. Junk food may be defined as nutrient-poor food items which are usually high in fat, sugar or salt. They lack essential elements like proteins, fibers, vitamins or minerals (Buzby et al., 2013). The excessive consumption of junk foods is associated with a wide range of health problems like obesity, diabetes, heart diseases and cancer.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that overweight and obesity are now epidemics in both developed and developing countries. They have further warned that the epidemic is spreading to the young generation at an alarming rate (WHO, 2012). According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one-third of U.S. children and adolescents are obese or overweight (Ogden et al., 2014). The main reason for this is the excessive consumption of junk foods.

Junk food items are generally high in calories which lead to weight gain. Obesity is a serious health problem that increases the risk of many chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes. A study published in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) showed that obese people are at increased risk for heart attacks, strokes and death from any cause (Flegal et al., 2013). Another study published in the journal The Lancet revealed that obese people are at risk of developing 13 different types of cancer (Flegal et al., 2013).

The high amount of sugar present in junk foods is also a major cause of concern. Excessive consumption of sugar can lead to obesity, diabetes and heart diseases. A study published in the journal Diabetes Care showed that people who consume excessive amounts of sugar are at risk of developing diabetes (Yoon et al., 2014). Another study published in the journal Circulation revealed that people who consume sugary drinks are at risk of heart diseases (Hu et al., 2012).

Junk foods are also high in saturated and trans fats. Saturated fats increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes (Smith et al., 2006). Trans fats can also increase the risk of coronary heart disease (Mozaffarian et al., 2006). Junk food items made from hydrogenated oils contain dangerous trans fats.

Long and Short Harmful Effects of Junk Food Essay in English

Short harmful effects of junk food essay.

In this short essay on the harmful effects of junk food, a brief account of the impact of junk food on our health and how important it is to avoid junk food are discussed.

We are all aware that the way we treat our bodies reflects the state of our mind and lifestyle that we are all leading. The food we consume directly affects our state of mind, and so when we eat healthy and nutritious food, we are happier, content and positive in life. Even though we know that we do not take care of our bodies and eat junk food that harms our bodies. Sadly, nowadays, kids want everything to be served quickly, and fast food serves this purpose rightly.

The production of junk and fast food is at an all-time high. The supply is more because of the increasing demand. It has a negligible amount of nutrients and nutritional value. It is oily, greasy, full of fats and sugars. The high levels of calories have resulted in an increase in obesity and high blood pressure. It has also worsened the digestive system and appetite. When this is combined with the comfy and lethargic lifestyle in today's times, it also results in inadequate growth and development of children. And from a very young age, they are more susceptible to mental health diseases like depression. The effects of such consumption are only negative when the world is trying to normalize conversations about such problems; we should also be doing our bit in taking care of our health and life.

Long Harmful Effects of Junk Food Essay

In this long 600+ words harmful effects of junk food essay, the effects of junk food on body and life are discussed in detail.

It is very vital to take care of one's body because our body is our vehicle, the most important tool that helps us get through life and perform our daily activities. When we treat our body right, it reciprocates the same zeal and willpower required for us.

The first important way to treat our body right is via exercise or working out in any form, be it through yoga, pilates, functional training, or weight training. All of this will help keep us fit. Even with working out daily, we will not get our desired results of fitness if we do not eat well. A proper diet is the most important catalyst to lead a healthy life.

A proper diet includes a good amount of balance between calories, fats, proteins, fibers, and nutrition-rich food. We can find all these nutritional values in foods like green leafy vegetables, fruits, and rice for carbohydrates. It is good for the body and the mind.

Junk foods include fast foods like french fries, fried foods like churros, pastries, pizzas, cookies, candies, burgers, and chips. All of this has a very high sodium content, cheese, sugar, and oils that have no nutritional value. It is not a good source of nutrition, nor is it helping our body in any way.

It only satisfies our taste buds because all junk foods taste good. But we must realize, in order to satisfy the cravings of our tongue, we are ruining our body and depriving it of a healthy lifestyle. This short-term fulfillment of mere cravings can have long-term impacts on our health, with life-threatening diseases that will leave a lasting negative impact on our bodies. It results in the following:-

On the Brain and Mental Health - the sodium content in junk food leads to headaches which will help lose focus and motivation even for mundane tasks. The risk of depression and other mental illnesses increases with the increased consumption of processed foods.

On the Respiratory System - due to heavy and oily foods the children are consuming these days and leading a lazy lifestyle, they are at high risks of shortness of breath, and according to the studies it is also found that such children also suffer from asthma even to their adult and old age.

On the Cardiovascular System - Cholesterol consumption blocks the blood flow to and from the heart because of the deposition of fats and leads to blood pressure-related issues. There is also the risk of premature heart diseases like heart failure, arrhythmia, etc. A weak heart results in many other bodily diseases due to improper and inadequate supply of blood to others.

On the Digestive Tract - When such processed food is consumed, it is very difficult to digest because our bodies are not designed to do so. When digestion is slowed, the metabolism also becomes slower, and it results in weight gain and obesity. Other such problems are food poisoning, acid reflux, constipation, and indigestion, and in severe cases may also lead to kidney failure.

On the Skin - Processed food contains very high levels of sugar, eventually leading to obesity. In such conditions, the blood sugar level also sees a spike, and this causes the outbreak of acne in the skin and face.

Curbing the intake of Junk food: - It is important to have healthy food due to the aforementioned reasons but surely one is attracted to junk food regardless. In such a case, we must reduce the intake of junk and processed foods and have it less often rather than making it a habit. Incorporating healthy food will allow you to have an active lifestyle and lead a fulfilling life. It will keep the heart in check, and energy levels will always soar high, which is the optimal way of living.

Being aware of your own health and knowing the possibilities of the very harmful effects junk foods have on our body can be very helpful. This awareness will help one make healthier choices. A proper workout is incomplete without a balanced diet, so it is important to cater to the body's needs without indulging in your cravings and taste requirements. Long-term effects last a lifetime and rob you of your childhood and youth, so starting a healthier diet for a better lifestyle is never too late.

FAQs on Harmful Effects of Junk Food Essay

1. What are the health effects of junk food?

Junk foods are also very much high in saturated and trans fats. Saturated fats increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes (Smith et al., 2006). Trans fats can also increase the risk of coronary heart disease (Mozaffarian et al., 2006). Junk food items made from hydrogenated oils contain dangerous trans fats. Junk and processed foods have a high sodium content, cheese, sugar, and oils that have no nutritional value. They only satisfy our taste buds because all junk foods taste good. But we must consider that in order to satisfy the cravings of our tongue, we are ruining our body and shearing it off a healthy lifestyle. This short-term fulfillment of mere cravings can have long-term impacts on our health, with life-threatening diseases that will leave a lasting negative impact on our bodies.

On Brain and Mental Health - The sodium content in junk food leads to headaches which will help lose focus and motivation even for mundane tasks which are very dangerous. The risk of depression and other mental illnesses increases with the increased consumption of processed foods.

On the Respiratory System - Due to heavy and oily foods the children are consuming these days and leading a lazy lifestyle, they are at high risks of the absence of breath, and according to the studies it is also found that such children also suffer from asthma even to their adult and old age.

On the Cardiovascular System - Cholesterol consumption interrupts the blood flow to and from the heart because of the deposition of fats and leads to blood pressure-related issues. There is also the risk of early heart diseases like heart failure, arrhythmia, etc. A weak heart results in many other bodily diseases due to improper and Insufficient supply of blood to others.

2. What are the foods that can be classified as junk food?

Any food that is manufactured with the addition of artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners or preservatives qualifies to be junk food. The foods that are high in calories but offer no nutritional value like soda, candy bars, chips, and other fried snacks fall under this category. These foods are usually easy and cheap to find. It's best to avoid these foods as much as possible. These foods are very harmful and have the potential to cause great damage to our body and possibly increase the risk of some life-threatening diseases.

3. What exactly causes obesity?

There are some pathophysiological causes for obesity, namely, genetic disorders such as Prader-Willi syndrome and leptin receptor mutations, developmental causes like brain tumors or injury, some autoimmune conditions like Cushing's syndrome, and medications like antipsychotics and steroids. However, the majority of obese people have no identifiable cause for their weight gain. Many experts believe that excessive consumption of junk food is a major contributing factor to obesity. When people eat foods that are high in calories but offer no nutritional value, their bodies don't get the nutrients they need. Over time, this can lead to weight gain.

4. What are the long term effects of junk food?

Some experts say that since junk food is readily available, it becomes easy to eat more than one should usually be allowed to consume. Eating junk food can lead to obesity and other health conditions like glucose intolerance, type 2 diabetes, hypertension etc. A study found that children who consumed fast foods three times a week were more likely to develop asthma. Junk food can also lead to tooth decay and other oral health problems. Long term effects of junk food are obesity, weight gain, heart diseases, diabetes etc.

5. How can we prevent our children from eating junk food?

It is important for parents to set a good example for their children and teach them about the importance of healthy eating. Parents can try to make healthy meals at home that their children will enjoy, and they can also pack healthy snacks for their children to take to school or on trips. It is important to be aware of the foods that are being sold at schools and in other places where children might be tempted to eat unhealthy foods. Parents can also talk to their children about the dangers of eating junk food and make sure they understand the benefits of eating whole foods.

6. What are the Junk Foods to Avoid at any Cost?

Any junk food that has high levels of damaging chemicals and sugars to add taste and flavour to the food must be kept at bay at any cost. And such junk foods and processed food often have harmful preservatives that will cause many diseases. Such foods can be pizzas, burgers, chips, cakes, cookies, cookies, fried and grilled food is extremely oily with unuseful fats. Broiled food must be avoided. Drinks containing high amounts of sugar are also unhealthy and harmful.

7. Is any Junk Food Healthy?

Chips are considered to be a portion of junk food but now there are many vegan chips available that can be extremely healthy and will aid in fulfilling your cravings and not harm your body and lifestyle. A few of those are Kale chips, sweet potato chips, and spinach chips. They are healthy with no trans-fat or saturated fats. And these are easily available now. All these can be an alternative to potato chips.

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Junk Food in Schools and Childhood Obesity

Ashlesha datar.

RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, P.O. Box 2138, Santa Monica, CA 90407, USA, gro.dnar@ratad , Phone: 1-310-393-0411 x7367, Fax: 1-310-260-8161

Nancy Nicosia

RAND Corporation, 20 Park Plaza, 7th Floor, Suite 720, Boston, MA 02116, USA, gro.dnar@aisocin , Phone: 1-617-338-2059 x4227

Despite limited empirical evidence, there is growing concern that junk food availability in schools has contributed to the childhood obesity epidemic. In this paper, we estimate the effects of junk food availability on BMI, obesity, and related outcomes among a national sample of fifth-graders. Unlike previous studies, we address the endogeneity of the school food environment by controlling for children’s BMI at school entry and estimating instrumental variables regressions that leverage variation in the school’s grade span. Our main finding is that junk food availability does not significantly increase BMI or obesity among this fifth grade cohort despite the increased likelihood of in-school junk food purchases. The results are robust to alternate measures of junk food availability including school administrator reports of sales during school hours, school administrator reports of competitive food outlets, and children’s reports of junk food availability. Moreover, the absence of any effects on overall food consumption and physical activity further support the null findings for BMI and obesity.

1. Introduction

The prevalence of childhood obesity in the US is at an all-time high with nearly one-third of all children and adolescents now considered overweight or obese ( Ogden et al 2008 ). Considerable attention has been focused on schools in an attempt to identify policy levers that will help reverse the obesity epidemic. In particular, the availability of “competitive foods”, defined as foods and beverages available or sold in schools outside of the school lunch and breakfast programs, has been a much debated issue. On the one hand, opponents question the nutritional value of competitive foods and consider them the primary source of “junk foods” in schools. Indeed, the available evidence suggests that these foods are higher in fat compared with foods sold as part of the school meal programs ( Gordon et al 2007b , Harnack et al 2000 , Wechsler et al 2000, Story, Hayes & Kalina 1996 ). On the other hand, supporters argue that revenues from these food sales provide much-needed funding for schools, especially in times of budgetary pressures ( Gordon et al 2007a ).

The debate draws from largely cross-sectional research that rarely addresses the potential endogeneity of the school food environment. Our paper advances the literature by attempting to isolate the causal effect of junk food availability on children’s food consumption and BMI. We use longitudinal data on BMI for a national sample of fifth graders from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study – Kindergarten Class (ECLS-K) and an instrumental variables (IV) approach that leverages the well-documented fact that junk foods are significantly more prevalent in middle and high schools relative to elementary schools ( Finkelstein, Hill and Whitaker 2008 ). Plausibly exogenous variation in junk food availability across a cohort of fifth graders is identified using the grade structure in their schools. We argue that a fifth grader attending a combined (e.g. K-8, K-12) or middle school (e.g. 5–8) is more likely to be exposed to junk foods compared to a fifth grader in an elementary school (e.g. K-5, K-6), but that the school’s grade span has no direct effect on a child’s weight. First-stage regressions confirm that combined school attendance is a strong predictor of junk food availability. Further tests for instrument validity including an examination of sorting and peer effects support our use of the instrument.

We find that junk food availability has small positive associations with BMI and obesity in basic OLS models that only control for a limited set of covariates, but those associations become insignificant when controls for BMI at school entry and state fixed effects are added. Our IV models, which address potential bias in the OLS models, generate somewhat larger, albeit less precise, point estimates that are also not statistically significant. Even if the IV point estimates were statistically significant, they would still represent only minor increases in BMI and obesity, generally one-third of one percent. Moreover, reduced form estimates, which are more precisely estimated than IV estimates, provide further support because combined school attendance has no significant effects on 5 th graders’ BMI and obesity. These results are robust to alternative measures of junk food availability and sample restrictions. The models also produce the expected findings on various falsification tests.

While we acknowledge their limitations, ancillary analyses of children’s in-school junk food purchases, total consumption of healthy and unhealthy foods, and physical activity are consistent with our null findings for BMI and obesity. Our estimates suggest that the caloric contributions of in-school junk food purchases are likely to be small. Moreover, we find evidence consistent with substitution between in- and out-of-school consumption. Specifically, the total amount of soda and fast food consumed in- and out-of-school, is not significantly higher among those children with greater exposure to junk food in school (i.e. attending a combined school). And, finally, we find little support for the notion that children substitute calories from healthy foods or increase their physical activity to compensate for increased junk food intake.

The remainder of this paper is organized as follows. We first discuss junk food availability in schools and the findings from the existing literature in Section 2. Section 3 describes our data and relevant analysis variables. In Section 4, we describe our empirical strategy, which leverages longitudinal information on BMI and implements an instrumental variables approach to identify the causal impact of junk food availability. In Section 5, we first discuss our main results for children’s BMI and obesity and then support these findings with robustness checks and falsification tests. We also present supporting evidence from models of in-school purchases of junk food, total consumption of various healthy and unhealthy items, and physical activity. Finally, Section 6 concludes with the policy implications of our findings.

2. Background and Literature

Competitive foods are sold through a la carte lines, vending machines, school canteens/stores, and fundraisers and, in contrast to the federally-reimbursable school meal programs, are not subject to federal nutritional standards. As a result, competitive foods account for much of the variation in the food environment across schools. Competitive foods are available in a large share of schools, although the availability of these foods varies significantly across elementary, middle, and high schools. For example, as many as 97% of high schools and 82% of middle schools have vending machines compared to only 17% of elementary schools ( Gordon et al 2007a ). However, a la carte lines, which are the predominant source of competitive food sales, operate not only in most high (93%) and middle (92%) schools, but also in a large proportion of elementary schools (71%) ( Gordon et al 2007b ).

Sales of competitive foods have the potential to generate significant revenues for schools. During 2005–2006, middle and high schools earned an average of $10,850 and $15,233, respectively, from a la carte sales alone ( Gordon et al 2007a ). In addition, nearly a third of high schools and middle schools earned between $1,000–$9,999 during that same year from vending machines, another ten percent earned between $10,000–$50,000, and a small number earned in excess of $50,000 per year. These revenues may in turn be supplemented by on-site school stores and pouring contracts with beverage companies. While availability and revenues were less common in elementary schools, nearly half of elementary schools had pouring rights contracts, and competitive food sales from fundraising activities were also common.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s regulations on competitive foods in schools had been comprehensive, but in 1983, a successful lawsuit by the National Soft Drink Association limited the scope of these regulations to food service areas during meal hours ( Institute of Medicine 2007 ). In recent years, several states, districts, and schools have enacted competitive food policies that are more restrictive than federal regulations. And, between 2003 and 2005, approximately 200 pieces of legislation were introduced in US state legislatures to establish nutritional standards in schools or to address the availability or quality of competitive foods ( Boehmer et al 2007 ). At the federal level, legislation was passed in 2004 requiring local education agencies to develop a “wellness policy” by 2006 that included nutrition guidelines for all of the foods available in schools. More recently, there has been debate in the US Congress over enacting an amendment to the farm bill that would further restrict the sale of unhealthy foods and beverages in schools ( Black 2007 ). At the local level, two of the largest school districts in the nation, New York City Public School District and Los Angeles Unified School District, imposed a ban on soda vending in schools in 2003 and 2004, respectively.

Despite the growing support for competitive food regulation, it is hard to deny opponents’ claims that the evidence against competitive foods is limited. Existing research does show that competitive food availability is associated with a decline in nutritional quality of meals consumed at school ( Cullen et al 2000 , Cullen & Zakeri 2004 ; Templeton, Marlette & Panemangalore 2005 ). 1 However, less is known about the effects on overall diet quality (consumed both in and out of school) and children’s weight. The literature does provide some evidence of substitution of caloric intake across meals and locations among adults ( Anderson and Matsa 2011 ), but the evidence is less clear regarding children for whom parental oversight can also play a role. Only Kubik and colleagues have examined 24 hour dietary recall (2003) and BMI (2005) among children, however these studies are based on small cross-sectional samples and do not address the potential endogeneity of the school food environment. 2 , 3

The only effort to address endogeneity is in Anderson and Butcher (2006) , who use national data on adolescents aged 14–20 years to examine whether various school food policies influence BMI (based on self-reported height and weight data). In the absence of a single data source containing information on school food policies and BMI among adolescents, the authors use a two-sample IV approach that employs county, state, and regional characteristics as instruments to capture budgetary pressures on schools. They find that a 10 percentage point increase in the proportion of schools in the county that offer junk foods leads to a 1 percent increase in BMI. But this effect is primarily driven by adolescents with an overweight parent, which the authors interpret as a measure of family susceptibility. 4 Their IV approach constitutes an innovation over the literature, but the authors acknowledge that their results may be undermined by a weak first stage.

Our paper adds to the existing literature in its sample, methodology and scope. First, to our knowledge, ours is the only study that addresses the endogeneity of the school food environment among younger children. The focus on fifth graders is useful because junk food regulations are increasingly targeting elementary and middle schools. 5 And our national sample of children provides a larger and more representative sample with significant variation in school environments. Second, our data contain actual measurements of children’s height and weight, unlike the self-reports from other national datasets that have been used to examine this question previously. Third, our approach improves on the common cross-sectional designs by controlling for children’s BMI at school entry and state fixed-effects, and leveraging variation in schools’ grade spans to estimate IV models. Finally, unlike previous studies, we also provide evidence on the underlying mechanisms by examining effects on food consumption and physical activity.

The ECLS-K is a panel dataset on a nationally representative cohort of kindergarteners in the U.S. who entered school in fall 1998. In the fall and spring of kindergarten and the spring of the first, third, and fifth grades, the study collected information from the children and their parents, teachers, and schools on children′s cognitive, social, emotional, physical development (including BMI), and their home, classroom, and school environments. One limitation is that the information on the school food environment and children’s food consumption was collected only in the fifth grade. Our analysis sample includes the approximately 9,380 children attending the fifth grade in public and private schools in the 2003–04 school year. 6 In this section, we describe the key variables for our analyses.

3.1. Dependent Variables Measuring BMI, Food Consumption and Physical Activity

Body mass index (bmi).

A distinct advantage of the ECLS-K is that it collected height and weight measurements from children at kindergarten (school) entry and in the spring of kindergarten and first, third, and fifth grades. Measurements are superior to self- or parent-reported height and weight data that may introduce non-random measurement error. These measurements are used to compute BMI, defined as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. The average BMI in our sample during the fifth grade is 20.4 ( Table 1 ). Approximately 20% of the ECLS-K sample is categorized as obese – this is nearly identical to prevalence rates among 6–11 years olds from the 2007–8 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey ( Ogden et al 2010 ). 7

Descriptive Statistics in the Fifth Grade

Notes: N=9,380. Means are unweighted. Standard deviation in parentheses.

Junk Food Purchase in School

The food consumption questionnaire collected information on in-school junk food purchase during the fifth grade. These questions asked children about their purchases of sweets, salty snack foods, and sweetened beverages (hereafter, referred to as “soda”) during the previous week. 8 A substantial majority of the children did not purchase junk food in school during the reference week: 77% for sweets, 84% for salty snacks, and 88% for soda (see Appendix Table A1 ). But a large share of these children did not have junk food available in their schools (see Section 3.2). Conditional on availability, about half the sample purchased any of these unhealthy foods at least once a week in school. Among those who did purchase, the modal response was 1 to 2 purchases per week: 68 percent for sweets, 72 percent for salty snacks, and 70 percent for soda. 9

In-School and Total Food Consumption in Fifth Grade

Notes: N=9,380. Percentages are unweighted. Figures in the top panel are not conditional on availability in school.

Total Consumption of Selected Foods and Beverages

The child food consumption questionnaire asked about the frequency of overall consumption of specific food items during the past week. Children were asked to include foods they ate at home, at school, at restaurants, or anywhere else. We examine the consumption of two unhealthy items - soda and fast food, and six healthy food items – milk, green salad, potatoes 10 , carrots, other vegetables, and fruits. The percentage of children not consuming any soda or fast food during the previous week was 16 and 29 percent, respectively, with modal responses at 1 to 3 times per week (see Appendix Table A1 ). Among the healthy foods, green salad, carrots and potatoes were consumed most infrequently with nearly half of children reporting no consumption during the past week. The modal responses for the other healthy foods were 1 to 3 times during the past week.

3.2. Junk Food Availability

Detailed information on junk food availability in schools was collected from the school administrators and from children in the fifth grade. School administrators were asked whether students could purchase 17 individual food and beverage items, either from vending machines, school store, canteen, snack bar or a la carte items from the cafeteria during school hours. From these responses, we constructed an indicator variable of junk food availability in school that equals 1 if the administrator reports that students can purchase food and beverage items containing high sodium and/or sugar, including candy, chocolate, baked foods (e.g. cookies), salty snacks (e.g. potato chips), ice cream or frozen yogurt, or sweetened beverages during school hours, and zero otherwise. 11 Based on these school administrator reports, approximately 61 percent of the children had junk food availability in school. For robustness checks, we also considered two alternative measures of availability. The first is based on whether the modal child at each school reports that foods containing sugar, salty snacks, or sweetened beverages can be purchased at school. Based on this measure, about 75 percent of the children had junk foods available. And the second is based on whether the administrator reports any of the following competitive food outlets operate in the school: vending machines, school stores, canteens, snack bars, and a la carte lines. About 60 percent of the sample had at least one competitive food outlet. 12

4. Empirical Approach

4.1. econometric model.

The relationship between junk food availability and children’s BMI in fifth grade can be estimated cross-sectionally using the following linear regression model.

where, BMI iks , denotes fifth grade BMI for child i attending school k located in state s , JF k captures junk food availability in the child’s school, X i and S k are the vectors of individual/family (gender, age, age interacted with gender, race/ethnicity, mother’s education, household income) and school characteristics (private/public, percent minority, enrollment, urbanicity, state/region), respectively, and ε iks is the error term. The child’s baseline BMI (BBMI i ) is included to address potential heterogeneity that can bias OLS estimates such as student demand for junk foods, genetic susceptibility, and sorting. Because junk food availability is collected only in fifth grade, we do not know the length of exposure during prior school years. Therefore, BMI at school entry is the preferred baseline because it is measured prior to any exposure to the school food environment. Finally, since states differ markedly in terms of obesity prevalence in their populations as well as the policy environment geared towards combating obesity, we include state fixed effects (θ s ) to control for state-specific time-invariant unobserved heterogeneity that may be correlated with school food environments and children’s weight.

The parameter of interest in Equation (1) is β 1 . Obtaining an unbiased estimate of β 1 is challenging because the school food environment is not exogenous to the outcomes of interest. Schools that serve high-fat, energy-dense junk foods may differ on many observable and unobservable factors that are correlated with children’s weight and dietary behavior. In particular, the decision to offer junk foods in schools may be influenced by a variety of factors including budgetary pressures, demands of the student population, parental involvement, and state/district policies. These factors could independently influence children’s weight as well. For example, budgetary pressures may induce schools or districts to scale back or eliminate physical education programs, which might increase children’s weight. As a result, coefficient estimates from the ordinary least squares (OLS) estimation of Equation 1 would be biased.

4.2. Addressing Endogeneity of Junk Food Availability in Schools

We address the potential endogeneity of junk food availability using instrumental variables. Specifically, we estimate the model in Equations (2.1) and (2.2) using Two-Stage Least Squares.

Equation 2.1 represents the first-stage regression where junk food availability (JF k ) is regressed on the combined school attendance instrument (CS k ), individual (X i ) and school (S k ) characteristics, baseline BMI (BBMI i ), and state fixed effects (θ s ). Equation 2.2 represents the second stage where children’s BMI (or obesity) is regressed on the predicted availability of junk foods from the first stage (ĴF k ) in addition to the common covariates.

We also report results from the reduced form, which regresses BMI or obesity directly on the instrument ( Equation 3 ). These results have the advantage of being unbiased and providing evidence of whether a causal relationship exists in the regression of interest. 13

4.2.1. Instrument

Our sample consists of a single cohort of 5 th graders attending schools with a variety of grade spans. Given that junk food availability is significantly higher in middle and high schools compared to elementary schools, a potentially useful instrument for junk food availability is whether the 5 th grader attends a combined school (defined as the highest grade is seventh or higher) or whether the 5 th grader is in an elementary school (defined as highest grade is 5 th or 6 th ). Our instrument considers only this dichotomy of school type: elementary versus combined. Over 70 percent of our sample attends elementary schools while the remainder attends combined schools usually with grade spans of K-8, K-12 and 5–8 (see Appendix Table A2 ).

Variation in Grade Span in Fifth Grade

Notes: N=9380. “Combined” schools are defined as schools with highest grade equal to 7 or higher.

For combined school attendance to be a valid instrument, it must be the case that the school’s grade span has no direct effect on children’s weight except through the junk food environment. One potential concern is that there may be unobserved factors that are correlated with both the likelihood of combined school attendance as well as BMI. For example, it is well known that states differ markedly in the prevalence of childhood obesity. But, states are also likely to differ in terms of factors that contribute to school grade span such as: (1) the size of the school-age population, (2) its distribution within the state, (3) differences in the educational systems and policies, as well as (4) education budgets. Similarly, school grade span can vary across urban versus rural areas (even within states), with the latter more likely to have combined schools largely because of a smaller school-age population. The inclusion of state and urbanicity dummies in our regressions controls for unobserved differences across states and across rural/urban areas that may be correlated with combined school attendance (or grade span, more generally) and BMI.

Another potential concern with this identification strategy is that variation in grade span exposes children to older peers who may influence obesogenic behaviors. Peers, defined broadly, have been shown to influence a wide range of adolescent behaviors and outcomes. 14 However, of particular relevance to our identification strategy is the literature examining a specific type of peer effect, namely, the effect of exposure to older peers due to school grade span.

Several studies have examined peer effects on academic, social-behavioral and substance use outcomes by leveraging variation in school grade span ( Clark and Folk 2007 ; Clark and Loheac 2007 ; Eisenberg 2004 ; Bedard and Do 2005 ; Cook et al 2008 ). Most studies compare students in the same grade who attend middle versus combined schools or middle versus elementary schools . 15 These studies generally find that 6 th or 7 th graders who attend middle school fare poorly compared to those who attend elementary or combined schools. 16 However, we are not aware of any studies that compare children in the same grade level who attend elementary versus combined schools . The exception is Rickles (2005) , whose findings suggest inconsistent effects of elementary versus combined schools attendance on achievement.

Furthermore, there is very limited evidence on the influence of older peers on food choices. Cullen and Zakeri (2004) compared changes in food consumption of 4 th graders who transitioned to middle school in 5 th grade and gained access to school snack bars to changes in food consumption of 5 th graders who were already in middle school. Fourth graders who transitioned to middle school consumed fewer healthy foods compared with the previous school year, but it is not clear whether this was due to the presence of older peers or the change in school food environment.

Overall, the literature suggests that the presence of older peers may adversely affect academic and social behavioral outcomes, but there is less evidence to support effects on their eating behaviors. Nevertheless, if such an effect exists, the potential bias in our IV estimates due to peer effects is likely to be upward. That is, 5 th graders might emulate older peers who are more likely to consume junk foods in school and would therefore tend to be overweight, independent of the school food environment. In that case, an insignificant finding is unlikely to be undermined.

4.2.2. Checks for Instrument Validity

Identification in our IV models relies on the assumption that, conditional on state and urbanicity dummies, the school’s grade span does not influence BMI except through differences in the availability of junk foods. Districts typically determine the grade span at the time of the schools’ opening based on a number of factors including transportation costs, length of bus ride, desired number of transitions, population size, site availability, preferred school size, and likelihood of parental involvement ( Paglin and Fager 1997 ) rather than children’s health outcomes. Changes in grade span over time are possible, but infrequent and similarly-motivated. For example, in our ECLS-K sample, less than 4 percent of the children who remained in the same school between kindergarten and fifth grade experienced a grade-span change from combined to elementary school or vice-versa. While unlikely, it is nevertheless possible that schools may change grade span in response to children’s physical size. Therefore, below we report results from several tests that support the validity of our instruments. These analyses are based on our preferred specification, which controls for the full set of covariates, including state and urbanicity dummies and baseline BMI.

First, we report first-stage estimates of the effect of our instrument – combined school attendance – on junk food availability in school. The first-stage estimates show that combined school attendance significantly increases the likelihood of junk food availability with an F-statistic on the instrument that exceeds 22 ( Table 2 ).

First Stage Regression Estimates of Junk Food Availability in Fifth Grade

Notes: Figures in brackets are robust standard errors clustered at the school level. Other covariates in the model include male, age (months), male*age, race/ethnicity, kindergarten BMI, mother’s education, income, private school dummy, categories for percent minority in school and school enrollment, and state and urbanicity dummies.

Second, since our instrument leverages across school variation we might be concerned that selection into different schools (or communities) might undermine the validity of our instrument. To test for differential selection into combined versus elementary schools, we regress BMI, obesity, test scores, social-behavioral outcomes, and parental involvement measured in kindergarten on combined school attendance in 5 th grade ( Table 3 ). 17 Because these outcomes are determined prior to exposure to school, these comparisons allow us to test for selection. The results suggest that, conditional on observed characteristics, combined school attendance is uncorrelated with pre-exposure BMI, obesity, test scores, social-behavioral outcomes and parental involvement.

Effect of Attending a Combined School on Kindergarten Outcomes

Notes: Each estimate represents a separate regression. Other covariates in the models include age, male, age*male, race/ethnicity, kindergarten BMI (not in model in Columns 1 and 2), mother’s education, income, private school dummy, categories for percent minority in school and school enrollment, and state and urbanicity dummies. Robust standard errors clustered at school level are shown in brackets. For reading, math, self control, and interpersonal skills, higher skills indicate better outcomes. For externalizing and internalizing behavior problems, higher scores indicate worse outcomes. Parent involvement is measured as the sum of the number of times/week that the parent engages in 9 activities with the child (e.g. reading books, talk about nature, do science projects, tell stories).

Third, another concern is that combined school attendance might generate peer effects on BMI, obesity, food consumption and physical activity, independent of junk food availability. We test for the presence of peer effects by regressing these outcomes on combined school attendance using only the sample of schools that do not offer junk foods ( Table 4 ). The results do not provide any support for peer effects on BMI, obesity, food consumption or physical activity. 18

Effect of Combined School Attendance on BMI, Obesity and Related Behaviors Without Junk Food Availability in Fifth Grade

Notes: Each estimate represents a separate regression. All models control for the full set of covariates. Robust standard errors clustered at school level are shown in brackets.

Overall, the instrument appears to be strongly predictive of junk food availability and there is no evidence that selection or peer effects threaten its validity.

We now turn to our main results, which examine the effects of junk food availability on BMI and other outcomes. We first estimate basic OLS models of BMI and obesity, then augment with state fixed effects and baseline BMI to address omitted variable bias and selection, and finally estimate the IV and reduced form specifications (Section 5.1). In Section 5.2, we examine the sensitivity of our results to alternate measures of junk food availability and various sample restrictions. We also report findings from falsification tests. And finally, in Section 5.3, we describe results from ancillary regressions that explore the potential mechanisms underlying our BMI findings. In particular, we examine in-school and total consumption of selected foods and beverages and the availability of and participation in physical activity.

5.1. BMI and Obesity

Our main results focus on whether the availability of junk foods increases BMI and obesity among 5 th graders ( Table 5 ). Columns 1 and 4 in Panel A show the results of basic OLS regressions of log BMI and obesity, respectively, on junk food availability controlling for child, household, and school characteristics. 19 These regressions yield a statistically significant increase in both BMI and obesity when junk food is available, although the point estimates are small. The inclusion of state fixed effects and urbanicity dummies (Panel A, columns 2 and 5) and then baseline BMI measured in kindergarten (Panel A, columns 3 and 6) eliminates the significant coefficients. The fully-specified OLS models have very small, precisely estimated, and statistically insignificant point estimates.

Effects of Junk Food Availability on BMI and Obesity in Fifth Grade

Notes: N=9,380. Robust standard errors clustered at school level are shown in brackets. Other covariates in the model include male, age (months), male*age, race/ethnicity, kindergarten BMI, mother’s education, income, private school dummy, categories for percent minority in school and school enrollment, and state and urbanicity dummies. First stage results are shown in Table 2 .

However, the coefficients from these OLS models may be biased if junk food availability is related to unobserved determinants of children’s BMI. For example, districts with a large population of students at risk for obesity may adopt more stringent nutritional policies that reduce the availability of junk foods in school. In such situations, OLS regressions may show no significant relationship or even a negative relationship between junk food availability and BMI. OLS estimates might also suffer from attenuation bias due to the presence of measurement error in the junk food availability measures.

To address these issues, we estimate instrumental variables (IV) and reduced form regressions using grade span as the instrument: whether the 5 th grader attends a combined school with older peers. 20 The IV point estimates are relatively larger than the OLS estimates, but less precisely estimated rendering them statistically insignificant ( Table 5 , Panel B). 21 , 22 IV estimates from models that do not control for state and urbanicity dummies and baseline BMI (columns 1 and 4) are much larger than those in our preferred specification (Columns 3 and 6), although they are not statistically significantly different from each other. Even if the IV point estimates in our preferred specification (columns 3 and 6) were significant, they would represent only small increases in BMI and obesity of less than one-third of one percent. Hausman tests that check for the endogeneity of junk food availability by comparing estimates from the fully-specified OLS regression with the IV cannot reject the null hypothesis that both estimates are consistent. Therefore, we also report the reduced form estimates of BMI and obesity regressed directly on our instrument ( Table 5 , Panel C). The coefficients on the instrument are close to zero and very precisely estimated, which further confirm the null findings. Given concerns about unobserved heterogeneity in the OLS specifications and the larger standard errors in the IV specifications, the reduced form estimates are preferred.

5.2. Sensitivity and Falsification Checks

We conducted a number of sensitivity analyses to test the robustness of our findings. In this section, we report results from a few key analyses and then turn to falsification tests. 23 These analyses control for the full set of covariates, including state and urbanicity dummies and baseline BMI.

For the sensitivity analyses, we first re-estimate our BMI and obesity regressions with the two alternate measures of junk food availability ( Table 6 ). Both the child-reported measure of junk food availability and the school-administrator reported measure of competitive food outlet show no effect of junk food availability on BMI or obesity. Next, we re-estimate the models with the exclusion of three particular groups that might confound our instrument ( Table 7 ). First, because combined schools are much more likely to be private, our instruments may simply capture variation across public versus private schools students, even though the regressions control for private school attendance. We re-estimate the models on a sample that excludes children who attend private schools ( Table 7 , Panel A) and find no effects on BMI and obesity. 24 Second, even though Section 4.2.2 suggests there are no peer effects on BMI and related behaviors, we test the sensitivity of our results to exclusion of the oldest peers (e.g., grade 9 or higher), but still find no evidence of an effect on BMI and obesity ( Table 7 , Panel B). Finally, children who switch schools for unobservable reasons potentially related to junk food availability may bias our estimates, but estimates from models that exclude children who changed schools between kindergarten and fifth grade confirm no effects ( Table 7 , Panel C). The point estimates from the OLS, IV and reduced form regressions for these sensitivity checks are essentially zero, though less precisely estimated in the IV models. 25

Effects of Alternate Measures of Junk Food Availability on BMI and Obesity in Fifth Grade

Notes: N=9,380

Effects of Junk Food Availability on BMI and Obesity in Fifth Grade with Alternate Sample Restrictions

Notes: All models include the full set of covariates. Robust standard errors clustered at school level are shown in brackets. Hausman tests for consistency of OLS estimates could not be rejected in any case. The tests are not reported in the table.

As falsification tests, we examined whether junk food availability in the fifth grade influenced children’s height in the fifth grade and their pre-exposure BMI. Height should clearly be unrelated. And indeed, the coefficients are essentially zero and insignificant ( Table 8 ). Because BMI and obesity in kindergarten is measured prior to exposure to junk foods in school, any effects would suggest unobserved heterogeneity. The OLS, IV and reduced form point estimates are close to zero (though the IV estimates are less precise) and the reduced form specifications also show no relationship ( Table 9 , Panel A). Results for BMI and obesity measured in first and third grade likewise confirm insignificant effects of junk food availability during fifth grade ( Table 9 , Panels B and C). However, because our data do not contain information on junk food availability prior to 5 th grade, these results are also consistent with the absence of junk foods in earlier grades.

Effect of Junk Food Availability in School on Height in Fifth Grade

Note: N=9,380. Robust standard errors clustered at school level are shown in brackets.

Effects of Junk Food Availability on BMI and Obesity in Kindergarten, First, and Third Grade

Notes: Each estimate represents a separate regression. All models include the full set of covariates. Robust standard errors clustered at school level are shown in brackets.

5.3. Effects of Junk Food Availability on Food Consumption and Physical Activity

The consistent lack of significant findings for BMI and obesity raises questions regarding how the energy balance equation is affected by junk food availability. While we cannot measure children’s energy intake and expenditure explicitly with these data, we can examine whether junk food availability influences general food consumption patterns and physical activity. Unlike BMI and obesity, the consumption and physical activity measures are based on parents’ and children’s reports . As a result, they are subject to measurement error and consequently produce noisier estimates particularly for the IV models. Nevertheless, they represent our best opportunity for understanding important mechanisms underlying our null finding. Therefore, for the in-school junk food purchases, total consumption, and physical activity analyses, we focus mainly on the reduced form results (though we provide OLS results for comparison). 26

5.3.1 In-School Purchases and Overall Consumption

One potential explanation for our null findings for BMI and obesity may be that availability does not impact overall food consumption. This may happen for several different reasons. First, young children may not purchase significant amounts of junk food in school either due to limited access to such foods or fewer discretionary resources to purchase them. Second, children may not change their total consumption of junk food because junk food purchased in school simply substitutes for junk food brought from home. Or third, children may not change their overall consumption during the day, but simply substitute between junk food consumed in-school and out-of-school.

Unfortunately, we cannot completely separate out these possible explanations because the ECLS-K does not provide us with full information about the daily dietary intake of each child. However, we do have information about in-school purchases of foods with sugar, salty snacks, and sweetened beverages for those children with in-school availability. We also have total (in-school plus out-of-school) consumption of soda, fast food, and a variety of healthy foods for all children in the sample. While not definitive, we can use this information to gain some insight into underlying eating behaviors and lend support for our BMI and obesity findings.

Not surprisingly, our analysis of in-school consumption of junk foods does confirm that children purchase junk food when it is available. 27 The OLS estimates show a significant relationship for purchases of all types of junk food when junk foods are available in schools ( Table 10 , Panel A). And the reduced form estimates show that children in combined schools are between 5 and 9 percentage points more likely to purchase junk foods compared to those in elementary schools Table 10 , Panel B).

Effect of Junk Food Availability on In-School Junk Food Purchases in Fifth Grade

Notes: N=9380. Each estimate represents a separate regression. Dependent variables in columns (1)–(3) are dichotomous and capture whether any purchase of that item was made in school during the last week. All regressions include the full set of covariates. Robust standard errors clustered at school level are shown in brackets.

To provide a sense of the caloric contribution of these purchases, we multiplied the increase in the probability of purchase from attending a combined school by the median number of times that food was purchased among children who purchased at least once, by the number of the calories per unit. 28 Summing across the three junk food groups yields 50 calories per week (7 calories per day) from in-school junk food purchases. The caloric contribution of in-school purchases is much higher (435 calories per week or 62 calories per day for the median child) among children who purchase these foods (as opposed to merely having them available). But even the 62 calories per day represents less than a quarter (23 percent) of the daily discretionary calorie allowance (267 calories) for a moderately active fifth grader. 29

It is possible that children substitute in-school purchases for snacks brought from home or eaten at home either due to satiation or parental monitoring. With our simple dietary recall measures, we cannot explicitly test the nature of potential substitution. We can, however, examine the total intake of soda and fast food consumed in and out of school. Soda is of particular interest because it is the only item for which children were asked about both their in-school and total consumption separately. Fast food, on the other hand, does not correspond exactly to the in-school snack food consumption categories. We find that junk food availability is not associated with significant increases in children’s total consumption of soda or fast foods ( Table 11 , Columns 1 and 2). 30 The OLS regressions show negative, though generally insignificant, estimates. 31 More importantly, the reduced form estimates confirm that there is no relationship between combined school attendance and total consumption of soda and fast food. The fact that children who consume soda and other junk food in schools show no evidence of an increase in total consumption provides support for the substitution hypothesis. This finding is also consistent with the literature, which indicates that only 27 percent of soda and sweetened drinks consumed in elementary schools are bought at school compared to 67 percent brought from home ( Briefel et al 2009 ).

Effect of Junk Food Availability on Total Consumption of Selected Unhealthy and Healthy Foods in Fifth Grade

Notes: N=9380. Each estimate represents a separate regression. Dependent variable captures the number of times the food or beverage item was consumed during the last 7 days. All models include the full set of covariates. Robust standard errors clustered at school level are shown in brackets.

While BMI is a widely-used outcome measure, it does not capture nutritional changes. Just because children are not gaining weight does not mean that their diets are not adversely affected by junk food availability. If children are consuming junk food in lieu of healthy foods, there may still be concerns about their nutrition. Columns 3 through 8 of Table 11 examine whether children with in-school availability of junk foods consume less milk, green salad, carrots, potatoes, other vegetables, and fruit. The OLS results show no significant associations with junk food availability. Moreover, reduced form regressions also show that combined school attendance does not significantly impact total consumption of the healthy foods. 32

Physical Activity

The absence of any effects of junk food availability on BMI despite the in-school purchases of junk food also raises questions regarding potential compensatory changes in the availability of and participation in physical activity. For example, revenues from junk food sales may be used to fund playgrounds or pay for physical education instructors. Or it may be that combined schools simply offer more opportunities for physical activity due to their scale and organization relative to elementary schools. Another possibility is that parents or children may increase children’s physical activity to balance junk food intake. If physical activity is greater, then we may find no change in BMI or obesity despite an increase in caloric intake.

OLS and reduced form estimates for school- and parent-reported physical activity measures are reported in Table 12 . OLS estimates show no relationship between junk food availability and minutes per week of physical education at school, minutes per week of recess at school, and parent-reported participation in physical activity (measured as the number of days per week that the child engaged in exercise that causes rapid heart beat for 20 continuous minutes or more). The reduced form regressions show no significant effects of combined school attendance on minutes per week of physical education instruction. Children attending combined school have fewer minutes of recess ( Table 12 , Column 2), but slightly higher days of parent-reported physical activity ( Table 12 , Column 3) though neither finding is statistically significant at.conventional levels. Overall, the regressions do not provide consistent evidence that increased energy expenditure explains the null finding for BMI and obesity.

Effects of Junk Food Availability on Physical Education, Recess and Physical Activity in Fifth Grade

Notes: Each estimate represents a separate regression. All models include the full set of covariates as well as the baseline (kindergarten) measure of the dependent variable. Robust standard errors clustered at school level are shown in brackets.

6. Conclusion

Junk food availability is a prominent issue for middle and high schools in the U.S. However, there is also widespread legislation and regulation targeting junk foods even in elementary school ( Trust for American’s Health 2009 ). Young children’s access to junk foods in school is an important concern due to the strong correlation between childhood overweight and obesity in adolescence and adulthood ( Institute of Medicine 2005 ). In this paper, we examined whether junk food availability increased BMI and obesity among a national sample of 5th graders. Those 5th graders who attend a combined school are much more likely to have junk food availability relative to those in elementary school. While estimates from naïve models that only control for a limited set of covariates suggest a positive association between junk foods in school and BMI and obesity, fully-specified OLS models that control for BMI at school entry and state fixed-effects demonstrate no statistically or economically significant relationships among these young children. Likewise, the IV and reduced form models, which are not subject to the potential bias undermining OLS models, confirm the null findings for BMI and obesity. These results are not sensitive to various robustness checks including alternate measures of junk food availability and sample restrictions.

Finally, we provide further support for the null findings by examining in-school and overall food consumption patterns as well as physical activity. The null effects on BMI and obesity cannot be explained entirely by limited access or limited discretionary resources among young children because 5 th graders do purchase junk food when it is available in schools. However, our results suggest that the caloric contribution of in-school purchases is likely to be small. Moreover, we find no evidence of significant changes in the overall frequency of consumption of soda and fast food, which is consistent with children substituting in-school purchases of junk food for that taken from or eaten at home. Alternative explanations such as compensatory changes children’s consumption of healthy foods and in their opportunities for and participation in physical activity do not appear to play a significant role in explaining our null findings for BMI and obesity.

Our findings may have implications in the current economic environment. Half of the states are projecting budget shortfalls that threaten staffing, compensation, extracurricular activities, and policy initiatives such as mandated limits on class size. 33 Many schools subsidize their funding with revenue from the sale of junk foods. In total, elementary schools earn approximately $442 million annually from junk food sales ( Institute of Medicine 2007 ). In light of our findings, certain policy measures, such as outright bans on junk food sales (at least among elementary school children), might appear premature given that they remove a key source of discretionary funds.

While our results are robust, we caution that we could not consider the full range of consequences of junk food availability. Not only are the dietary intake measures in the ECLS-K limited, but we are also not able to examine whether related health outcomes such as diet quality or dental caries are influenced by junk food availability. Also, we are unable to examine the generalizability of our findings to older children who may have greater junk food access and intake both in and outside school. And finally, we could not consider whether exclusive contracts between schools and beverage/snack companies influence students’ food choices in the longer run through product or brand recognition. Additional research is necessary to fully understand the potential consequences before costly legislation is implemented. Such research might also consider the consequences of junk food regulations on school finances and the extent to which these financial consequences could be mitigated by the sale of more nutritious alternatives or through alternative financing mechanisms.

Means by Attendance in Elementary Versus Combined School and by Private/Public

Notes: N=9,380.

Effect of Grade-Span on Academic and Social-Behavioral Outcomes Among Schools Without Junk Food Availability in Fifth Grade

Acknowledgments

This research was funded by grants from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Healthy Eating Research Program, NIH R01 HD057193, the Bing Center for Health Economics at RAND, and the RAND Labor and Population Program. All opinions are those of the authors and do not represent opinions of the funding agencies.

1 Other studies have examined the effects of price reductions, increases in availability, and promotion of low-fat foods in secondary schools on sales and purchases of these foods ( French et al 2004 , 2001 , 1997a , 1997b , Jeffery et al 1994 ) as well as their consumption ( Perry et al 2004 ) within experimental settings and found positive effects.

2 Kubik et al (2003) find that a la carte availability in school is negatively associated with overall intake of fruits and vegetables and positively associated with total and saturated fat intake among 7 th graders attending 16 Minneapolis-St Paul schools. Using the same data, Kubik et al (2005) show that using competitive foods as rewards and incentives is positively associated with BMI.

3 Also, using the ECLS-K, Fernandes (2008) found small positive associations between soda availability in schools and both in-school and overall soda consumption of fifth graders.

4 Their results for the other school policies, pouring rights contracts, and food and beverage advertisements are smaller and less precise.

5 For example, California’s first nutrition policy (SB 677) implemented beverage standards for elementary and middle schools, not high schools.

6 All sample sizes have been rounded to the nearest 10 per the ECLS-K’s restricted-use data agreement.

7 Obesity is defined as BMI greater than the 95 th percentile for age and gender on the Center for Disease Control growth charts.

8 Sweets include candy, ice cream, cookies, brownies or other sweets; salty snack foods include potato chips, corn chips, Cheetos, pretzels, popcorn, crackers or other salty snacks, and sweetened beverages include soda pop, sports drinks or fruit drinks that are not 100 percent juice.

9 To validate the ECLS-K estimates, we examined the Third School Nutrition and Dietary Assessment Study (SNDA-III), which collected 24-hour dietary recall from 2,300 children attending a nationally representative sample of public schools in 2005. Similar to the ECLS-K, eighty percent of elementary school children reported no competitive food purchases. Among children who made a purchase, the median daily caloric intake from these foods was 185 calories. The SNDA estimate is higher than our ECLS-K estimates (62 calories reported in Section 5) because it includes healthy foods purchased from competitive food venues: for example, milk was by far the most popular item purchased from competitive food venues and yogurt also ranked highly.

10 The “potatoes” category excluded French fries, fried potatoes, and potato chips.

11 The questionnaire separately asked about availability of high- and low-fat options for baked foods, salty snacks, and ice cream/frozen yogurt/sherbert. We include both the low- and high-fat options in our measure, however, in sensitivity analyses, we used only the high-fat versions to construct our school-administrator based measure of junk food availability and found results to be similar.

12 We rely mainly on the first measure of junk food availability because it is the most specific with respect to the quality of foods and because school-level policies regarding junk food availability are frequently set by school principals and staff ( Gordon et al 2007a ). We prefer this measure over the simple dichotomy of having any (unregulated) competitive food outlets because the outlet-based measure does not differentiate the type of foods sold (e.g. milk vs. soda). We also prefer it over the child-report because children who do not consume junk foods are less likely to accurately report availability and because children reported only the availability of any sweets, salty snacks, or sweetened beverages, but did not differentiate specific items (e.g. low-fat vs. high-fat).

13 The value of reduced form regressions has been highlighted by Angrist and Krueger (2001) and, more recently, Chernozhukov and Hansen (2008) formally show that the test for instrument irrelevance in the reduced form regression can be viewed as a weak-instrument-robust test of the hypothesis that the coefficient on the endogenous variable in the structural equation is zero.

14 This literature examines peer effects on a wide range of outcomes including substance use ( Lundborg 2006 ; Eisenberg 2004 ; Case and Katz 1991 ; Gaviria and Raphael 2001 ), crime ( Case and Katz 1991 ; Glaeser, Sacerdote, and Scheinkman 1996 ; Regnerus 2002 ), teenage pregnancy ( Crane 1991 ; Evans, Oates and Schwab 1992 ), discipline ( Cook et al 2008 ), academic achievement ( Hanushek et al 2003 ; Cook et al 2008 ), adolescent food choices ( Perry, Kelder, Komro 1993 ; Cullen et al 2001 ; French et al 2004 ) and weight ( Trogdon, Nonnemaker and Pais 2008 ).

15 However, Clark and Loheac (2007) estimate how substance use behavior of students within the same school who are one year older influences adolescent substance use and find a positive relationship.

16 One exception is Eisenberg (2004) who finds that 7 th and 8 th graders who attend schools with older peers are no more likely to use substances relative to those who attend schools with younger peers.

17 We also examined unadjusted differences in children’s individual, family and school characteristics during the 5 th grade (see Appendix Table A3 ). There were slight differences for some of the covariates. However, there was no overall pattern in the socioeconomic factors that would threaten the validity of the IV approach: that is, some differences imply better BMI outcomes for one group and others worse. For example, in our sample, elementary school students are more likely to be Hispanic and Asian while combined school students are more likely to be white. There are no differences in the share that are Black. Similarly, there is no consistent pattern in maternal education. Elementary school students are more likely to have poorly and highly educated mothers (less than high school, more than Bachelors).

18 To check whether these null findings are merely due to lack of power instead of absence of peer effects, we estimated the same models using social-behavioral outcomes and test scores as dependent variables because the literature finds evidence of peer effects on these outcomes. We were able to identify statistically significant peer effects on social-behavioral outcomes (but not test scores), which suggests that lack of power is an unlikely explanation for the finding of null peer effects on BMI and related outcomes.

19 In all models, we estimate robust standard errors clustered at the school level.

20 In alternate analyses, we used continuous measures of the highest and lowest grades in the school as instruments. In these over-identified models, both instruments had a strong positive association with junk food availability (i.e. increases in the highest and lowest grades available at the school were strongly predictive of junk food availability). This approach yielded qualitatively similar results as the exactly-identified models (available upon request).

21 The IV regressions were also estimated without baseline BMI. The point estimates, first-stage F-statistics, and Hausman tests yield similar results (available upon request).

22 A concern with our IV specification estimated via two-stage least-squares is that our first stage models do not account for the dichotomous nature of the treatment variable ( Maddala 1983 ). Estimates from binary treatment effect IV models confirm that the effects of junk food availability on BMI are neither substantive nor significant (available upon request).

23 We also conducted additional sensitivity analyses not reported here. First, given that we do not know the exposure to junk food in previous grades and given concerns that genetic susceptibility may not have a constant proportional effect on BMI at every point in the life cycle, we controlled for 1 st or 3 rd grade BMI instead of BMI in Kindergarten and obtained similar results. Second, inclusion of controls for school meal participation did not change our findings. Third, we used BMI z-scores as the dependent variable to accurately control for age and gender influences on BMI and obtained qualitatively similar results. Fourth, we estimated quantile regressions to test whether the effects of junk food availability varied across the BMI distribution, but found no evidence for heterogeneous effects. Finally, we also re-estimated our BMI and obesity models separately for each gender. The results for junk food availability mirrored those for the full sample. The OLS, IV, and RF models show no significant effects of junk food availability for either boys or girls. Still we may be concerned about differential peer effects, for example, if girls are influenced by older peers’ concerns about body image, which would bias our IV estimates downward. Restricting the sample to those boys and girls attending schools without junk food availability, the coefficients from the reduced form were nearly identical to those based on the full sample of boys and girls, which suggests that peer effects are not an issue even when regressions are gender-specific.

24 Estimates based only on the sample of private schools yield small and statistically insignificant effects of competitive food availability on BMI in both OLS and IV specifications, although the F-statistics for the instrument in the first stage were smaller (Results available upon request).

25 Hausman tests cannot reject the consistency of fully-specified OLS estimates in any of our sensitivity checks.

26 Although not shown, the IV (Wald) estimates are easily calculated by dividing the reduced form estimates in Table 10 – Table 12 by 0.2 (first stage estimate from Table 2 ). The IV coefficients are never significant in part due to the larger standard errors in the regressions of reported eating behaviors and physical activity.

27 We dichotomize the in-school purchase variables and estimate linear probability models since much of the variation in junk food purchases at school occurs on the extensive margin.

28 The median number of times an item is purchased in school among children who purchase at least once is 1.5 times (1–2 times per week). We assume that salty snacks add 140 calories (typical calories from a bag of potato chips), sweets add 200 calories (typically calories from a candy bar), and soda adds 150 calories. Given the limitations of the consumption data in the ECLS-K, we caution the reader to treat these caloric intake calculations as approximations.

29 Discretionary calories are the difference between an individual’s total energy requirement and the energy necessary to meet nutrient requirements. According to Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the discretionary allowance for a 2000 calorie diet is 267 calories. See: http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/document/html/chapter2.htm#table3 accessed August 22, 2008.

30 The total consumption variables are not dichotomized because there is sufficient variation on the intensive margin.

31 Negative binomial models with a binary treatment variable to account for the count-data distribution of the total consumption variable and the binary nature of junk food availability produced qualitatively similar results. (Results available upon request).

32 Given the limitations of the ECLS-K’s consumption variables, we again examined the SNDA-III data and found no evidence that combined school attendance increases total caloric intake.

33 “Schools expect budget cuts as economy sours: State problems, decline in property values eat away at district funds”. Available at: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23116409/ (Accessed February 10, 2009).

Contributor Information

Ashlesha Datar, RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, P.O. Box 2138, Santa Monica, CA 90407, USA, gro.dnar@ratad , Phone: 1-310-393-0411 x7367, Fax: 1-310-260-8161.

Nancy Nicosia, RAND Corporation, 20 Park Plaza, 7th Floor, Suite 720, Boston, MA 02116, USA, gro.dnar@aisocin , Phone: 1-617-338-2059 x4227.

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Junk food and your health

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'Junk food' is food that contains high levels of fats, salt or sugar, and lacks nutrients such as fibre, vitamins and minerals.
Reading nutritional information labels and following the Health Star Ratings system can help you make healthy food choices.
Understanding the nutritional value of the food you eat and being aware of advertising 'tricks' can also help you reduce your junk food intake.
Eating junk food, and having sweet drinks, can lead to short- and long-term health complications, including weight gain, diabetes and heart problems.

What is junk food?

'Junk foods' are foods that lack nutrients, vitamins and minerals , and are high in kilojoules (energy), salts , sugars , or fats . Junk food is so called because it doesn't play a role in healthy eating, especially if you eat too much of it. Junk food is also known as 'discretionary food' or 'optional food'.

Some examples of junk food include:

cakes and biscuits
fast foods (such as hot chips, burgers and pizzas)
chocolate and sweets
processed meat (such as bacon)
snacks (such as chips)
sugary drinks (such as sports, energy and soft drinks)
alcoholic drinks

If your diet is high in fats, salt and sugar and you are not receiving essential nutrients , your risk of obesity and other chronic (long-term) diseases may increase.

These diseases include:

cardiovascular disease
type 2 diabetes
non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
some cancers

How do I know if a food product is 'junk food'?

While finding healthy alternatives to junk food can sometimes be difficult, the Health Star Rating system is a convenient tool to help you know how healthy a product is. It's a quick and easy way to compare similar packaged foods.

The Health Star Rating system rates packaged foods between half a star and 5 stars, based on how healthy they are. These ratings are found on the front of packaged items. However, it is important to note that this system is very general, and the nutritional value of some products may not be accurately expressed by the rating they receive.

Remember also that the Health Star Rating system is designed only for packaged products sold in shops, so it won't include some healthy foods — including fresh unpackaged food such as fruit and vegetables.

How do I make healthy food choices?

It's important to understand the nutritional value of the food you are buying. You can do this by reading the nutrition panel found on the back of all packaged items in Australia.

Food labels can tell you things like the amount of energy , protein , fat , carbohydrates , sugars, fibre and sodium (salt) in each product, as well as the recommended serving size.

Understanding health claims

When checking a product for its nutritional value, make sure you look at the health claims such as 'low in fat' or 'sugar free', as these can be misleading. When a product is advertised as 'light' or 'lite', this may refer only to the product's colour or flavour. This means that the product may still be 'full-fat' — be sure to read the nutrition information panel at the back of the package for the actual fat content.

Another common claim is that a product is 'sugar-free' or has 'no added sugar'. In truth, this means that a product has no added sucrose or table sugar, but it may still contain other types of sugar. The product may also contain salt or fat and may be high in kilojoules, so even sugar free products can be junk foods.

Note also that products known as 'health foods' such as some fruit juices and muesli bars can actually be junk food if they contain high levels of sugar, salt or fat. Check a product's Health Star Rating for a better guide to how healthy the product is. Keep in mind that this rating system is limited in accuracy, but may be a better guide than advertised claims.

Can I include a small amount of junk food in a healthy diet?

Yes, in line with the Australian Dietary Guidelines , a small amount of junk or discretionary food can be included in a healthy, balanced diet. This means you should only have junk food occasionally and in small amounts. In general, most Australians eat too much junk food and should work on eating less of it, less often.

It is important to balance your junk food intake with increased exercise to help burn off extra energy. This will help you avoid gaining excessive weight.

When thinking about how much junk food you eat, remember that everybody is different — if you are shorter or smaller than average, or you do less exercise than the average person, you will also need to eat less than the average person. If you are trying to lose weight, try and keep the amount of junk food you eat to a minimum.

Check the Australian Dietary Guidelines to help you decide if you need to improve your diet, and to guide your food and drink intake.

How can I reduce the amount of junk food I eat?

While it can be challenging to reduce the amount of junk food you eat, you don't have to give up on all your favourite foods.

Here are some tips on how to create healthy eating habits :

Plan your meals and snacks ahead of time so you decide what you eat based on nutrition, not based on what is left in your pantry. Planning ahead also helps you keep to a budget and makes shopping easier.
Choose wholefood options such as wholemeal and wholegrain carbohydrates like pasta, bread and flour.
Choose fresh fruit for dessert instead of junk food to keep away from added salt, sugar and saturated fat.
Check your food's nutritional value using the nutritional information panel on the back of the packet.
Watch out for advertising 'tricks', including claims that a product has 'no added sugar', since it can still be high in kilojoules, salt or fat. A product can claim to be 'reduced in fat' as long as it has less fat than an earlier version of the product — but it may still be high in fat.
Use the Health Star Rating system to compare similar packaged items and choose the healthiest one.

NEED TO LOSE WEIGHT? — Use the BMI Calculator to find out if your weight and waist size are in a healthy range.

Why is junk food so appealing?

While you may feel that you enjoy junk food just because it tastes so good, there is a scientific explanation for why you want to have more of it. The brain naturally encourages you to seek experiences that you find pleasurable, including eating tasty food. This encouragement from the brain is known as the 'reward' system.

When a person eats tasty food (including junk food) the reward circuit in the brain is switched on. This releases a brain chemical called dopamine . The chemical rush floods the brain with pleasure and so the brain creates more receptors for dopamine in response. In the same way that people with a drug or alcohol addiction require a bigger dose over time, you crave more junk food the more you eat it.

Does eating junk food cause health complications?

Eating too much junk food can have a negative effect on your general health and wellbeing and can also reduce your ability to be active.

Short-term effects of junk foods

As well as causing you to gain weight, the other short-term effects of eating junk food include:

increased stress levels
fatigue and decreased energy levels
difficulty sleeping
concentration difficulties
feeling down
tooth decay

Long-term effects of junk foods

In the long-term, eating junk food can lead to:

heart-related problems (such as cardiovascular disease , high blood pressure and cholesterol )
overweight and obesity
osteoporosis
certain cancers
eating disorders

These complications are all associated with a diet high in sugar, salt, trans- and saturated fats and with a lack of essential nutrients like fibre, vitamins and minerals.

ARE YOU AT RISK? — Are you at risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease or kidney disease? Use the Risk Checker to find out.

Is it more expensive to eat healthily?

Eating healthily doesn't have to be expensive, and can even save you money if you cut down on junk food purchases.

Here are some tips to help you eat healthily on a budget:

Plan ahead and make a list you can stick to in the supermarket.
Shop smart — buy what's in season and what's on special.
Use the fresh fruit and vegetables you already have at home first, before buying more.
Meal preparation means you can buy and cook in bulk, which will save you both time and money.
Only buy what you need.

Resources and support

For more information and support, you can visit the following websites:

Heart Foundation provides information on healthy eating to protect your heart
Nutrition Australia aims to 'inspire healthy eating' through information, education and consultation services.
Parents' Voice are parents interested in improving the food and physical activity of Australian children
Rethink Sugary Drink highlight the amount of sugar in soft drinks
Dietitians Australia teaches how diet and nutrition can improve your health and wellbeing — Call on 1800 812 942.
The George Institute's FOODSWITCH website and app can help you find out what's in the packaged food you're looking to buy, as well as help you make healthier food choices.

Call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 at any time to speak to a registered nurse (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) for more information and advice.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content .

Last reviewed: June 2023

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LiveLighter - Junk Food Facts

Junk food used to be just an occasional “treat” but these days Australians are eating more, and more often. Find out how it all adds up.

Choosing nutritious foods | Eat For Health

The Australian Dietary Guidelines, recommend that we choose widely from the Five Food Groups and limit discretionary foods that are higher in saturated fat, added salt and added sugars.

Read more on NHMRC – National Health and Medical Research Council website

Discretionary food and drink choices | Eat For Health

What are discretionary food choices?

Healthy diet for children - MyDr.com.au

The average child's diet now gets over 40% of kilojoules from junk foods and drinks. Find out how to encourage better food choices.

Low Gi Living | GI Foundation

CSIRO’s new tool to combat Australia’s #1 diet issue by sveas | Apr 7, 2021 | Gi Science, Latest news, Low Gi foods and lifestyleLow nutrient, high kilojoule food continues to be the top choice for Australians, with new research from CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, showing that nearly 4 out of 5 Aussies overindulge in junk food every day! The new findings come from the recent

Read more on Glycemic Index Foundation website

Food cravings during pregnancy

Food cravings are sudden urges to eat a particular type of food. They are a real phenomenon and affect many females during pregnancy.

Healthy food groups: preschoolers | Raising Children Network

Preschoolers need foods from all five healthy food groups: vegetables, fruit, grain foods, dairy and protein. Try to limit salty, sugary and fatty foods.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

Nutrition and healthy food for teenagers | Raising Children Network

When teenagers eat a range of healthy food from the five food groups, they get the nutrition they need for health, growth and development in adolescence.

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Junk Food Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on junk food.

The term ‘junk food’ itself says a lot about this food. It indicates how it is harmful to our health. Furthermore, junk foods are basically trash which harms our bodies in different ways. They have high levels of cholesterol, sugar, calories and more. We see how nowadays, the younger generation is getting indulging in more and more junk food. This is putting their lives in danger and giving them an unhealthy lifestyle .

Furthermore, junk food does not have a single benefit. It only has ill-effects as they do not contain nutritional value . Parents must teach their kids about the ill-effects of junk food. Moreover, they must provide them with healthy meals at home so they won’t have to go out to eat fast food.

Rising Popularity of Junk Food

We all know that the fast-food industry is increasing by leaps and bounds these days. People these days are more attracted to junk food because it is appealing. Why is that? People are using manipulative ways to entice people to buy their fast food.

Moreover, junk food is prepared very easily. It takes minimum time to prepare it as it does not have any nutritious ingredients. We see how junk food does not have any special ingredients. It just contains common harmful ones in excess like oil, sugar, and more.

Furthermore, junk food is very reasonable. As it does not require any healthy material, it is not that costly. We see how it is available at very reasonable pricing. It is one of the main reasons why people buy it frequently.

Most importantly, junk food has become very accessible now, more than ever. With the onset of numerous food delivery apps, you can now get junk food with a single click. You have a plethora of options now which will deliver all sorts of junk food right at your doorstep.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Ill-effects of Junk Food

The major characteristic of junk food is that it spikes the energy levels instantly. It does not really benefit your body, just satisfies your taste buds. If we intake junk food regularly, we get moody more often.

Moreover, regular consumption of junk food causes a drop in the concentration levels of a person. This is why we see how kids these days are easily distracted. Moreover, you may also notice how obesity becoming common these days. It is a very chronic disease which is only enhanced by eating junk food.

Further, you may also notice how junk food increases blood pressure and sugar. A person gets more prone to heart diseases due to the fattening products used in it. Similarly, junk food is not easy to digest. This may gradually damage your brain function because it creates a lack of oxygen levels.

Junk food does not only damage the heart but the liver as well. It causes diabetes amongst people from an early age. Moreover, the lack of fibers in junk food equals to a damaged digestive system. This may cause constipation as well. Therefore, we see how junk food companies are fooling people. They are deceiving them into consuming their junk food to increase their sales. Thus, we need to realize this fact as soon as possible. Try to replace junk food with healthy food. Prepare your meals at home instead of ordering outside.

FAQ on Junk Food Essay

Q.1 Why is junk food getting popular?

A.1 Junk food is getting popular because it is easily accessible now. It is appealing and fast food companies are fooling the public for increasing their sales.

Q.2 State the ill-effects of junk food.

A.2 Junk food causes a lot of chronic diseases like diabetes, cholesterol, heart diseases. It drops your concentration level and messes with your digestive system.

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Harmful Effects of Junk Food Essay

Food is a way of life, but food that is not so nutritious can have adverse effects on our bodies. This essay on the harmful effects of junk food can educate students about itsill effects and teach them how to avoid junk food as much as they can. Here are 100, 150, 200, and 500-word essays explaining the harmful effects of junk food.

100-word essay on Harmful Effects of Junk Food

Food brings us happiness and satisfaction. But at the same time, we should be mindful of what we put into our bodies. Being easily accessible and affordable are the two qualities of junk food that attract people to feast on it more often.

Junk foods are linked to a number of health conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, heart problems, liver problems, cancer, and many more. In today’s busy lifestyle, people can be more drawn to easily available junk food, however, they should stop and think about how these foods harm their precious health and opt for healthier, more nutritious options.

150-word essay on Harmful Effects of Junk Food 2022

Junk food is often very attractive and pleasing to the taste buds. However, the name itself denotes that it is very harmful for our health. Junk food is known have little to no nutritious value in it, which only gives temporary satisfaction and is rendered useless in the long run.

Junk foods like burgers, fries, sugary drinks, pizza, chips, cakes, and pastries are very high in carbohydrates, sodium, and cholesterol that has adverse effects on our health if consumed for an long period of time. These foods are also really high in calories that can lead to weight gain and obesity. They only suppress the hunger for a short period which is ultimately worse for our health. Foods that are high in protein and fiber have relatively low calories and small servings make us full for a longer time. This is why we should make better lifestyle decisions and adopt healthy eating habits that are both good for our mental and physical health.

200-word essay on Harmful Effects of Junk Food

Our body is like a temple and we should be mindful of what we put into it. Taking care of your diet is one of the first steps towards a clear mind and a healthy body. But because of people’s busy schedules and ignorance of cooking, they rely on easily available junk foods that are delicious but can severely harm your health in the longer run.

A majority of junk foods have extremely low nutritional value and are high in salt, sugar, and carbohydrates. These foods are filling and give you energy for the moment, but have the worst effects on your body. Eating these foods regularly is not sustainable whatsoever. People of all ages enjoy junk food and this combined with its easy availability makes it very popular. Consumption of these foods has grown exponentially over the past few decades. People have no idea how many extraterrestrial are consuming in a day and how the ingredients are damaging their organs.

This is why you should research what’s going into your body and try to main a healthy and balanced diet. Indulging in junk foods occasionally is not a bad thing, but it definitely should not become a habit.

500-word essay on Harmful effects of Junk Food

What looks good on the outside isn’t always good on the inside and junk foods are a prime example of that. These foods look mouth-watering and tasty, but bring along a ton of diseases.

Health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity is what come along with these delicious foods. They are generally high in calories and carbohydrates which leads to weight gain. High sodium levels can have an impact on blood pressure, sugary drinks and snacks like cola, cakes, and pastries cause an instant spike in insulin levels. This is particularly harmful to the youngsters and teenagers that are more drawn to junk food. In their growing years, they need proper nutrition to ensure good mental and physical health. However, junk food provides none of that. They fill you up for short period of time, until the craving starts again. This can be a vicious cycle and prove really harmful to one’s body.

Our body needs nutrients like vitamins, minerals, protein, good fats, and a limited amount of carbohydrates to function properly. One should eat a well-balanced meal consisting of all the nutrients to lead a healthy lifestyle. Junk food lacks all these nutrients and is only satisfactory for the time being. They don’t fill you up for a longer period, which can cause cravings again in a couple of hours. Processed, packaged, and ready-to-eat junk foods can be convenient, but they can significantly harm your insides.

These types of foods can also be a distraction when trying to lose weight, as even small portions contain high amounts of calories. Addiction to junk foods has several other harmful effects. People who are struggling with their mental health often find peace and solace in binge eating their favorite junk food items. But this momentarily satisfaction negatively affects their health and can lead to obesity and other conditions. The easy to prepare nature of this food can be considered one of the main culprits that complement people’s busy lifestyles. Also with today’s modernization, you can order delicious food from the comfort of your home and it will be delivered to your doorstep in less than 30 minutes.

Regular consumption can lead to the accumulation of fat in the body, causing us to be lazy and lethargic. People who are overweight find it difficult to carry out everyday tasks and often suffer from joint pain due to excessive pressure from their body weight. Diabetic and blood pressure patients have to follow a restricted diet because of their condition or it could get worse. This is why it’s important to follow a good workout routine and maintain a balanced diet so that your body can perform at the top of its game. You can also track your required macro and micro nutrients throughout the day to make sure you’re getting enough nutrition from your meals. Meal planning and keeping healthy snacks on your person at all times can be really useful in avoiding junk foods.

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Ban Junk Food in Schools

Categories: Junk Food Public School

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Published: Sep 7, 2023

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Health implications, impact on academic performance, economic and social factors, benefits of banning junk food, counterarguments and solutions.

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From anxiety to cancer, the evidence against ultra-processed food piles up

Allison Aubrey

Ultra-processed foods contain substances you wouldn't find in your own kitchen, like high-fructose corn syrup, artificial flavor and color enhancers, anti-caking agents and emulsifiers. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images hide caption

Ultra-processed foods contain substances you wouldn't find in your own kitchen, like high-fructose corn syrup, artificial flavor and color enhancers, anti-caking agents and emulsifiers.

At a time when Americans consume more than half of their daily calories from ultra-processed foods, there is increasing evidence that eating too many of these foods can make us sick.

A study published in the British Medical Journal finds people who consume high amounts of these foods have an increased risk of anxiety, depression, obesity, metabolic syndrome, certain cancers including colorectal cancer and premature death.

The data come from more than 9 million people who participated in dozens of studies, which researchers analyzed as part of umbrella review.

"Taking the body of literature as a whole, there was consistent evidence that regularly eating higher – compared to lower – amounts of ultra-processed foods was linked to these adverse health outcomes," says study author Melissa Lane , of Deakin University in Australia.

Shots - Health News

The u.s. diet is deadly. here are 7 ideas to get americans eating healthier.

Ultra-processed foods are abundant in our food supply. Among the most common are highly refined breads, fast food, sugary drinks, cereals, cookies, and other packaged snacks. They are often high in salt, sugar, fat and calories and low in fiber and micro-nutrients such as vitamins.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend filling half our plates with fruits and vegetables, and eating plenty of whole grains, and not too much of the refined grains found in ultra-processed foods.

One telltale sign that a food is ultra-processed is if its ingredient label includes substances you would not find in your own kitchen such as high-fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, hydrolysed protein, or additives such as artificial colors, flavor enhancers, emulsifiers, anti-caking agents and thickeners.

Ultra-processed foods are everywhere. Here's how to avoid them

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The evidence piles up

The observational studies included in this new review do not prove that consumption of ultra-processed foods can cause anxiety, cancer or other health conditions. These studies point to associations, not causation. But at a time when diet is a leading cause of chronic disease , it adds to a growing body of evidence that ultra-processed foods contribute to the development of these conditions.

For instance, a study published last year found people in the habit of consuming high levels of ultra-processed foods were about three times more likely to develop colorectal cancer, compared to those who consumed the least. The exact mechanisms by which these foods may increase the risk is not clear, though the overlap with metabolic disease is striking.

"One mechanism of how ultra-processed food can be associated with colorectal cancer is through leading to increased weight," says Jeff Meyerhardt , an oncologist at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Weight increases the risk of diabetes and metabolic syndrome factors, "that are closely tied to colorectal cancer," he says.

What we know about the health risks of ultra-processed foods

An ultra-processed diet made this doctor sick. Now he's studying why

When it comes to mood and mental health conditions, there is evidence to show that adults who maintain a healthy diet have fewer depressive symptoms . For instance, a French study found adherence to a Mediterranean diet in mid-life is linked to a lower risk of depression, particularly in men. There's also evidence that healthy diets may help tamp down anxiety .

"We're seeing a roughly 20 to 50% increased risk of depressive symptoms in people who have diets that are high in these ultra- processed foods," says Wolfgang Marx , a Senior Research Fellow at the Food & Mood Centre at Deakin University in Australia, and a senior author of the new research.

There could be a 'threshold effect' Marx says, meaning people who consume small amounts, under a certain threshold, are not at increased risk. Though it is not clear exactly how much is OK, because it may vary from person to person and depend on other lifestyle habits. However, the research shows people who consume the most are more likely to be affected by mood and mental health struggles.

Should consumers be warned about ultra-processed food?

A panel of advisors is currently evaluating all the latest diet and nutrition studies as part of a process to update the federal government's Dietary Guidelines . It is possible advisors could recommend limits on ultra-processed foods, though it would likely be difficult to get people to follow them.

On the regulatory side, the Food and Drug Administration is moving ahead to finalize a new definition of the term "healthy" – which is expected soon.

The FDA says a "healthy" claim on food labels could help consumers identify healthier choices at a quick glance and may prompt food companies to reformulate their products. The revised definition aims to make Americans more aware of healthy fats found in foods such as avocados and salmon, and of the relative harms of foods that contain lots of salt, added sugars and saturated fats.

The FDA is also moving towards front-of-package labeling that will flag foods that contain high amounts of sodium, sugar and saturated fat. These types of labels "will make it easier for consumers to make healthier choices and better understand the nutritional value of the foods and beverages they buy," says Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association.

And while the FDA is not currently tackling ultra-processed foods head on with labeling, Jim Jones, the FDA's first Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods says by focusing on these three ingredients – sodium, sugar and saturated fat – the agency aims to make people aware of the risks.

"The science around added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium intake is quite clear," says Jones. "We will also likely make progress on reducing consumption of ultra-processed food because there is a high correlation between those three ingredients and ultra-processed food," he says.

Jones says all regulatory decisions are based on scientific evidence, and there's still a lot that's unclear about the link between ultra-processed foods and disease.

Is it caused by more than the overlap with obesity and metabolic diseases? Given how palatable, convenient and inexpensive many of these foods are, is it easier to over-consume them? Or are there other mechanisms at play, such as ingredients or additives that can harm our gut health?

"Our feeling is that we need more science before we're ready to make recommendations or think of a voluntary or a regulatory program," he says.

And there is agreement from researchers and physicians that more research is needed to fully understand the connections between ultra-processed food consumption and disease risks.

This diet swap can cut your carbon footprint and boost longevity

This story was edited by Jane Greenhalgh & Carmel Wroth

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Essay on Junk Food for Children and Students – Infinity Learn

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Essay on Junk Food: Junk food is an informal term for food that is of little nutritional value and is often high in calories, fat, sugar, and salt. It can include fast food, processed snacks, and sugary drinks. Junk food is often convenient and easy to eat, but it is not always healthy. It is generally considered to be unhealthy food that is high in calories but low in nutrients.

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Junk food has been linked to a number of health problems, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Some experts believe that the high levels of sugar, fat, and salt in junk food can lead to cravings and overeating.

Essay on junk food is a common topic given to the school students during essay writing competition in order to make them aware about junk food. Here we have given some easy and simple junk food essay which you can chose according to your need of words limit.

Long and Short Essay on Junk Food in English

Junk food essay 100 words.

Good health is the necessity of living a healthy life for every one of us which needs to maintain a healthy diet and healthy habits throughout the life. However, the custom of eating junk food in many is increasing day by day and making our future sad and diseased especially our future generations. Parents should be very conscious towards the eating habits of their kids and children because in the childhood they never know and decide their good or bad so it is parents who are fully responsible for the good or bad eating habits among their kids. They should train their kids about eating habits from childhood and make them clear about the differences between healthy and junk foods.

Junk Food Essay 150 words

Generally, junk foods look so attractive and yummy for the people of every age group. However, it is very true that they are so coarse from inside. What they look from outside never become from inside. Junk foods are never considered healthy to the health, they have been proved unhealthy in all ways. Junk foods are unfit to the health and one who practice to eat junk foods calls so many disorders to his/her health. It may cause heart diseases, cancer, early ageing, high blood pressure, bone problems, diabetes, mental disorders, liver disorders, digestive system problems, constipation, diarrhoea, heart attack, prostate and breast cancer, osteoporosis, and so many health disorders.

According to the research, it is found that puberty is the most sensitive age during which one should practice healthy eating habits because during this age there are many changes occur in the body to prepare one to enter to the adult age group.

Junk Food Essay 200 words

The term junk food means a food do not good to the body health in anyway. It is less nutritional and harmful to the body systems. Most of junk foods contain high level of saturated fats, sugar, salt and bad cholesterol which are toxin to the health. They become lack of dietary fibers so easily get involve in causing constipation and other digestive disorders.

Essay on Unhealthy Food. Unhealthy food refers to heavily processed and refined food products. It’s typically less nutritious than natural, whole foods. Unhealthy food is often linked to weight gain and can lead to significant health problems, especially in kids, including the risk of developing conditions like diabetes.

Junk foods have gained so much popularity because of the nice taste and easy to cook. There are many readymade junk foods available in the market packed in the polybags. Most of the people are depend on such readymade foods because of their busy schedule or they do not know to cook food at home.

The consumption of junk food all over the world is increasing day by day which is not good for the future. People of all age groups like to eat junk food and they generally chose to eat whenever they enjoy special time with family like birthday party, marriage anniversary, etc. They easily become used to of taking soft drinks, wafers, chips, noodles, burgers, pizza, french fries, Chinese dishes, and other varieties of fast food available in the market.

Junk Food Essay 250 words

As we all know the truth about junk foods and it needs no introduction. However, it is a most interesting question that why everyone likes to eat junk foods even after knowing its truth. Nowadays every one of us is enjoying well the taste of junk food because it is delicious, affordable and readily available. Junk foods have no nutritional value and essential ingredients required for the health. I t is very harmful to the health if consumed on regular basis. It causes a spike in body energy level and creates sleeping disorders. It reduces level of concentration and calls to chronic diseases such as obesity, hormonal imbalances, heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.

Junk foods become very oily and lack of dietary fibers thus they are hard to digest and require more energy to perform the process from body and make a person lack of oxygen level in the body which lead towards improper brain functioning. Junk foods are high in bad cholesterol and cause heart and liver damage. Because of lack of dietary fibers they cause strain to the stomach and other digestive organs and result in constipation.

Junk foods are always harmful to the heath and deteriorate the health condition if taken on regular basis without providing any health benefits. We should avoid eating junk foods in order to enjoy the good health and happy life all through the life.

Junk Food Essay 300 words

The word junk food speaks itself a lot and indicates its harmful nature to the health. Junk foods are trash food to the health because they are high in calorie, fat, cholesterol, sugar and salt components. Nowadays kids and teenagers are more prone to eat junk foods daily in bulk amount. They are leading their lives towards danger through their unhealthy lifestyle. They generally eat chips, french fries, cracks, snack, chawmin, burger, pizza, pasta, and other junk foods whenever they feel hungry. No junk foods are beneficial and provide no nutritional value.

It affects the health in all ways of the people of any age group, weight and health condition. Junk foods are considered as high in calories however one who eat end up easily getting exhausted and need more food frequently. Junk food does not provide appropriate level of energy thus the eater develop tendencies of craving more food frequently.

What we generally acquire from the junk foods are unhealthy fats and not healthy ingredients thus we feel lack of oxygen which causes poor brain functioning. We absorb much cholesterol from such type of foods which causes plaque formation in the arteries and creates problems for the heart to pump normal amount of blood. That’s why we feel high level fatigue. High level of bad cholesterol destroys our liver and put more weight at the same time.

According to the research, kids and children eating more junk food on daily basis are overweight and obese and highly prone to the heart and liver disorders. Such kids are more prone to become diabetic and lethargic because of high sugar collection in their body in the early ages. They get high blood pressure because of high amount of sodium mineral in the junk foods. Kids and children should be trained by their parents to follow healthy eating habits from the childhood.

Junk Food Essay 400 words

Junk foods taste good that’s why it is mostly liked by everyone of any age group especially kids and school going children. They generally ask for the junk food daily because they have been trend so by their parents from the childhood. They never have been discussed by their parents about the harmful effects of junk foods over health.

According to the research by scientists, it has been found that junk foods have negative effects on the health in many ways. They are generally fried food found in the market in the packets. They become high in calories, high in cholesterol, low in healthy nutrients, high in sodium mineral, high in sugar, starch, unhealthy fat, lack of protein and lack of dietary fibers.

Processed and junk foods are the means of rapid and unhealthy weight gain and negatively impact the whole body throughout the life. It makes able a person to gain excessive weight which is called as obesity. Junk foods tastes good and looks good however do not fulfil the healthy calorie requirement of the body. Some of the foods like french fries, fried foods, pizza, burgers, candy, soft drinks, baked goods, ice cream, cookies, etc are the example of high-sugar and high-fat containing foods.

It is found according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention that Kids and children eating junk food are more prone to the type-2 diabetes. In type-2 diabetes our body become unable to regulate blood sugar level. Risk of getting this disease is increasing as one become more obese or overweight. It increases the risk of kidney failure.

Eating junk food daily lead us to the nutritional deficiencies in the body because it is lack of essential nutrients, vitamins, iron, minerals and dietary fibers. It increases risk of cardiovascular diseases because it is rich in saturated fat, sodium and bad cholesterol. High sodium and bad cholesterol diet increases blood pressure and overloads the heart functioning.

One who like junk food develop more risk to put on extra weight and become fatter and unhealthier. Junk foods contain high level carbohydrate which spike blood sugar level and make person more lethargic, sleepy and less active and alert. Reflexes and senses of the people eating this food become dull day by day thus they live more sedentary life. Junk foods are the source of constipation and other disease like diabetes, heart ailments, clogged arteries, heart attack, strokes, etc because of being poor in nutrition.

Essay on Junk Food FAQs

What is junk food in 10 lines.

Junk food is processed, high-calorie food with little nutrition. It includes items like fast food, sugary snacks, and soft drinks. These foods are often convenient but lack essential nutrients like vitamins and fiber. Overeating junk food can lead to health issues like obesity and heart problems.

What are the 10 harmful effects of junk food?

Eating too much junk food can cause health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It can also harm your dental health, lead to digestive issues, and affect your energy levels negatively.

What is healthy food and junk food?

Healthy food is fresh and packed with essential nutrients, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Junk food, on the other hand, is highly processed and offers little nutritional value. It's often high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.

How do you write a junk food essay?

To write a junk food essay, start with an introduction explaining what junk food is. Then discuss its impact on health, including obesity and related diseases. Conclude with suggestions for a balanced diet.

What are the harmful effects of junk food?

Harmful effects of junk food include weight gain, high cholesterol, and an increased risk of chronic diseases. It can also lead to poor digestion, low energy, and dental problems.

How is junk food harmful for our health?

Junk food can harm our health by causing obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. It lacks essential nutrients, and overconsumption can lead to various health issues.

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Junk Food Essay - 100, 200, 500 Words

Essay on junk food.

Referring to something "junk food," tells how detrimental to our health it is. Junk food contains many calories, sugar, and other things like high cholesterol. We observe how the younger generation is increasingly consuming junk food today. This consumption endangers their lives and leads to an unhealthy lifestyle for them. Here are a few sample essays on Junk Food.

100 Words Essay On Junk Food

Junk food, often known as fast food, takes the shortest amount of time to cook because it doesn't contain any nutritious ingredients. Junk food is now more accessible than ever before. Thanks to the expansion of food delivery services, it is now possible to get junk food with only one click. We notice that fast food contains excesses of items that are bad for our health, such sugar, oil, and other ingredients. It will cause a sharp rise in blood sugar. This will cause lethargy, inactivity, and sleepiness. Over time, a person's reflexes get slow, and they live a life of inactivity. Even worse, eating junk food narrows your arteries and raises your risk of having a heart attack.

200 Words Essay On Junk Food

Junk food is incredibly affordable. It is not very expensive because it doesn't require any restorative materials. We observe that it is priced quite affordably. It is one of the critical causes for why people usually purchase it, but at the same time, you may also see that junk food raises blood pressure and sugar levels. Due to the fatty ingredients employed in it, a person becomes more susceptible to cardiac ailments. In a similar vein, junk food is difficult to digest. Because it reduces oxygen levels in the blood, this could eventually harm your brain's ability to operate and, as a result, give rise to various mental disorders.

Junk food consumption has recently increased due to the market's accessibility. People become more drawn to these foods due to the tendency of all fast-food restaurants and food manufacturers to promote the consumption of these foods. Most of the time, we frequently order food from outside and consume a lot of snacks while studying or working. As they lack any nutritional components or vitamins, these junk foods are unhealthy and lower our immunity . We should reduce the highly processed food we eat and switch to better food options before this junk significantly impacts our health.

500 Words Essay On Junk Food

Junk food, also known as fast food, is a type of food that is high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats. It is often high in salt and preservatives and is considered to be unhealthy. Junk food is typically high in calories and low in nutrients, and it can have a negative impact on our health.

Health Risks

Junk food is known to increase the risk of obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. These diseases are caused by consuming high amounts of saturated and trans fats, which are found in many junk foods. Additionally, the high amount of sugar found in junk food can cause blood sugar levels to spike, leading to insulin resistance and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

Junk food is also known to be high in sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease. The high levels of salt found in junk food can also lead to water retention, which can cause bloating and discomfort.

Impact On Mental Health

Junk food is not only bad for our physical health but also for our mental health. Research has shown that consuming junk food on a regular basis can lead to depression and anxiety. This may be due to the fact that junk food is often high in sugar, which can cause a temporary spike in mood, but can lead to a crash in mood later on. Additionally, junk food is often high in caffeine and other stimulants, which can cause feelings of anxiety and agitation.

Junk food is a type of food that is high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats. It is known to increase the risk of obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes, as well as having an impact on mental health. It is important to be mindful of the amount of junk food we consume and to make an effort to eat a balanced diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. By making healthier food choices, we can improve our physical and mental well-being and lead a healthier, happier life.

Personal Experience

I used to love eating junk food, and I would often indulge in fast food, candy, and sugary drinks. I thought it was delicious and convenient. But as time went on, I began to notice that my clothes were feeling tighter and that I was gaining weight. I also started to feel tired and sluggish all the time. I went to see my doctor, and she told me that my diet was high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats, and that it was causing me to become overweight. She also warned me about the potential health risks associated with consuming too much junk food, such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

I was shocked, and I realized that I needed to make a change. I began to make healthier food choices, such as eating more fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. I also cut back on my junk food intake and started exercising regularly.

It wasn't easy at first, but gradually I started to feel better. I had more energy, my clothes were fitting better, and I felt more confident. I learned that making healthy food choices can not only help you to look good but also to feel good. I am so glad that I made the change and now I feel healthier and happier.

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Healthy Food Essay

Healthy food essay teaches kids the importance of eating healthy food every day. You can provide the children with BYJU’S importance of healthy food essay.

Food is a fundamental part of our life. It is the fuel that helps us go about our daily routine, and it is the meal that makes us feel good at every minute of the day. Food plays an important role in staying healthy.

The food we eat determines the health of our body, and some foods are better for our bodies than others. Healthy food contains a lot of fibre, has a low glycemic index, and is high in nutrients. Furthermore, the consumption of healthy food benefits our mental and physical health.

This short essay on healthy food helps us understand its significance, along with a healthy lifestyle.

Advantages of Healthy Food

People often consider eating healthy because it helps them look and feel better. There are many reasons to eat healthy food as it has numerous advantages. Some of the most important advantages include reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease, obesity and diabetes, which eventually improves the quality of life.

There are also people who prefer healthier options for themselves. This can be for various reasons, including not wanting to gain weight, not spending a lot of money on food that would eventually go to waste, or just because they want to make sure their diet is as healthy as possible.

A portion of healthy food can help prevent disease. Moreover, healthy foods can help keep us away from getting sick from all of the chemicals in processed and junk foods.

When we eat healthily, we stay healthy.

Healthy Food vs Junk Food

We are in an era of dominance of the fast-food industry. There is a lot of information on the internet that shows people how they can live healthier and less expensive lives. One of the ways to do this is by purchasing healthy food instead of junk food. Many restaurants and grocery stores have received backlash for their unhealthy options.

It is high time to understand the difference between healthy food vs junk food by reading the healthy food vs junk food essay available at BYJU’S and adapting ourselves to healthy eating habits.

For more essays similar to the healthy food essay and other exciting kids’ learning resources, visit BYJU’S website.

Frequently Asked Questions on Healthy Food Essay

What are the benefits of healthy food.

There are many health benefits to consuming healthy food. Some of the benefits are it helps increase metabolism, enhances the immune system, lessens inflammation associated with heart disease, reduces the risk of cancer, obesity, diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, helps control body weight, etc.

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.

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The Impacts of Junk Food on Health · Frontiers for Young Minds
Rather than providing an energy boost, junk foods can lead to a lack of energy. For a short time, sugar (a type of carbohydrate) makes people feel energized, happy, and upbeat as it is used by the body for energy. However, refined sugar, which is the type of sugar commonly found in junk foods, leads to a quick drop in blood sugar levels because ...
Harmful Effects of Junk Food Essay for Students
500+ Words Essay on Harmful Effects of Junk Food. Junk Food is very harmful that is slowly eating away the health of the present generation. The term itself denotes how dangerous it is for our bodies. Most importantly, it tastes so good that people consume it on a daily basis. However, not much awareness is spread about the harmful effects of ...
Essay on Junk Food: Samples in 150, 250 Words
Essay on Junk Food: Samples in 150, 250 Words. Food is the main source of energy. It is important to consume healthy food. Any food product that contains a high percentage of saturated fats or trans fats is referred to as Junk food. The term junk itself indicates that it is harmful to our health. To lead a healthy lifestyle it is important to ...
Harmful Effects of Junk Food for Health and Well-being
2. Impact on Mental Well-being. The effects of junk food extend beyond physical health to mental well-being. Research indicates a link between unhealthy diets and poor mental health outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and reduced cognitive function. Consumption of highly processed foods and sugary snacks can lead to rapid spikes and crashes ...
(PDF) The Impacts of Junk Food on Health
Young people are bombarded with unhealthy junk-food choices daily, and this can lead to life-long dietary habits that are difficult to undo. ... physical activity levels, body weight, and sleep ...
Essay on Junk Food For Students in English
Long Essay on Junk Food . This 500 words junk food essay has been provided as a reference for the students to jot down their own essay for exams. This has been written addressing the students of all age groups in a simple language. ... The body of the essay is also extremely important. It should be such that it conveys the message to the reader ...
Harmful Effects Of Junk Food Essay
200 Word Essay On Harmful Effects Of Junk Food Paying attention to your diet is one of the first steps to having a clear mind and a healthy body. However, people frequently rely on inexpensive, tasty junk food that, over time, can seriously harm their health because of their busy schedules and lack of cooking skills.
Harmful Effects of Junk Food Essay
Long Harmful Effects of Junk Food Essay. In this long 600+ words harmful effects of junk food essay, the effects of junk food on body and life are discussed in detail. It is very vital to take care of one's body because our body is our vehicle, the most important tool that helps us get through life and perform our daily activities.
Junk Food in Schools and Childhood Obesity
Abstract. Despite limited empirical evidence, there is growing concern that junk food availability in schools has contributed to the childhood obesity epidemic. In this paper, we estimate the effects of junk food availability on BMI, obesity, and related outcomes among a national sample of fifth-graders. Unlike previous studies, we address the ...
Your brain on junk food: New research shows it's not just harming your body
New research is digging into how junk food hits our brains. Why it matters: Beyond elevating risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease, heavily processed foods can harm mental health, mess with sleep — and even be addictive like alcohol or nicotine. Some scientists are proposing a new mental health condition — "ultra-processed food use ...
The Impact of Junk Food on Our Lives: A Study on Adolescent
Abstract. Food is an essential component of human life since it provides the body with fuel and acts as a defence mechanism against disease. These days, a lot of people get their meals from fast ...
Harmful Effects of Junk Food Essay for Students in English
Junk food has high cholesterol and poor concentration. They are less nutritious and provide us with less energy. By eating junk food, fat accumulates in the body, and we become lazy. It gives rise to various health problems like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, blood pressure, etc. Mental disorders, loss of balance and lack of concentration ...
Junk food and your health
Long-term effects of junk foods. In the long-term, eating junk food can lead to: type 2 diabetes. heart-related problems (such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol) overweight and obesity. osteoporosis. certain cancers.
Junk Food Essay for Students and Children
500+ Words Essay on Junk Food. The term 'junk food' itself says a lot about this food. It indicates how it is harmful to our health. Furthermore, junk foods are basically trash which harms our bodies in different ways. They have high levels of cholesterol, sugar, calories and more.
Harmful Effects of Junk Food Essay
Here are 100, 150, 200, and 500-word essays explaining the harmful effects of junk food. 100-word essay on Harmful Effects of Junk Food. Food brings us happiness and satisfaction. But at the same time, we should be mindful of what we put into our bodies. ... Our body needs nutrients like vitamins, minerals, protein, good fats, and a limited ...
Hazardous Effects of Junk Food on Your Body
OBESITY: Junk food contains a lot of fat, and as fat collects in our body, we'll put on weight and could wind up fat. The more weight we gain, the more we'll be in danger for genuine unending ailments, for example, diabetes, coronary problems and joint inflammation. You could even show at least a bit of myocardial infarction.
Ban Junk Food in Schools: [Essay Example], 666 words
The presence of junk food in schools has become a pressing concern for educators, parents, and health advocates. The consumption of high-sugar, high-fat, and low-nutrient foods not only affects students' health but also hinders their ability to learn and thrive in the academic environment. In this essay, we will explore the reasons why banning ...
A diet high in ultra-processed food is linked to a greater risk of many
A diet high in ultra-processed food is linked to a greater risk of many diseases : Shots - Health News Americans consume more than half their daily calories from ultra-processed food. A new study ...
Essay on Junk Food for Children and Students
Junk Food Essay 200 words. The term junk food means a food do not good to the body health in anyway. It is less nutritional and harmful to the body systems. Most of junk foods contain high level of saturated fats, sugar, salt and bad cholesterol which are toxin to the health.
Junk Food Essay
500 Words Essay On Junk Food. Junk food, also known as fast food, is a type of food that is high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats. It is often high in salt and preservatives and is considered to be unhealthy. Junk food is typically high in calories and low in nutrients, and it can have a negative impact on our health.
Healthy Food Essay
The food we eat determines the health of our body, and some foods are better for our bodies than others. Healthy food contains a lot of fibre, has a low glycemic index, and is high in nutrients. Furthermore, the consumption of healthy food benefits our mental and physical health. This short essay on healthy food helps us understand its ...
No heat in Elektrostal city of Moscow region since middile December
Ukrainian military had 64 combat engagements with Russian forces near Synkivka of Kharkiv region, south to Terny and Vesele of Donetsk region, Klischiyivka and Andriyivka of Donetsk region, near Novobakhmutivka, Avdiyivka, Syeverne, Pervomayske and Nevelske of Donetsk region, Heorhiyivka, Pobyeda and Novomykhaylivka of Donetsk region, Staromayorske of Donetsk region, at the east bank of Dnipro ...
40 Facts About Elektrostal
Lanette Mayes. Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.
BETA GIDA, OOO Company Profile
Industry: Other Food Manufacturing , General Freight Trucking , Other Support Activities for Transportation , Grocery and Related Product Merchant Wholesalers , Restaurants and Other Eating Places See All Industries, Offices of Real Estate Agents and Brokers , Roasted coffee, Trucking, except local, Transportation services, nec, Coffee and tea ...
Best 15 Junk Removal Services in Elektrostal', Moscow Oblast ...
Before you hire a junk removal company in Elektrostal', Moscow Oblast, browse through our network of over 11 local junk removal companies. Read through customer reviews, check out their past projects and then request a quote from the best junk removal companies near you. Finding junk removal companies in my area is easy on Houzz.