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Junk food
Junk food is used to describe food and drinks low in nutrients (e.g. vitamins, minerals and fibre) and high in
kilojoules, saturated fat, added sugar and/or added salt. They are also known as discretionary choices. 

How often can I eat junk food?

Junk foods are not required as part of any diet.

 If you are a healthy weight, try to eat junk foods occasionally and in small amounts.

 If you are trying to lose weight, you will be more successful if you limit junk food.

Why is junk food bad?

Eating junk food on a regular basis can lead to an increased risk of obesity and chronic diseases like
cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and some cancers.

We know Australian's eat too much junk food.

 35% of adults’ daily energy intake (kilojoules) comes from junk food.

 41% of children’s daily energy intake (kilojoules) comes from junk food.

This means junk food is taking the place of other more nutritious foods in our diets.

View the LiveLighter facts about junk food infographic (PDF 306KB).

What should I eat to be healthy?

Learn more about healthy eating.

View the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating flyer (PDF 300KB).

Where to get help

 Talk to your doctor.

 Make an appointment with an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) (external site).

 Calculate how much junk food you eat using the Live Lighter junk food calculator (external site).

 Download the Live Lighter takeaway booklet (external site) for recipes and tips to help take away the junk
food.

 Visit the Eat for Health (external site) for tips and tools to help you make positive changes to your lifestyle.
Remember

 Junk food describes food and drinks low in nutrients (e.g. vitamins, minerals and fibre) and high in
kilojoules, saturated fat, added sugar and/or added salt.

 Eating too much junk food is linked to serious health problems.

 Junk foods are not a necessary part of any diet.

Acknowledgements
Chronic Disease Prevention Directorate

This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional
medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not
intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and
completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare
professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

Related sites

 My Healthy Balance (external site)

 Get on Track Challenge (external site)

 LiveLighter (external site)

 Eat for Health (external site)

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