The Disadvantages of Junk Food

Written by Melodie Anne ; Updated June 20, 2018

Junk food is high in calories, but low in nutrients.

Filling your diet with junk food causes an array of problems in your body. Junk food is often high in sugar,
fat and calories, while providing very few nutrients. You can treat yourself to some ice cream or your
favorite candy bar once in awhile, but keep your portions to a minimum.

 Effect on Cardiovascular Health

 Junk food isn't great for your heart. Many types of junk food come packed with saturated fat. This
type of fat increases the "bad" cholesterol in your bloodstream, which puts your heart health at risk.
In addition, the sodium found in salty junk foods raises your blood pressure, which can put you on
track for cardiovascular problems later in life.

 Weight Gain
 Filling your diet with junk food may lead to weight gain. It takes an extra 3,500 calories in your diet
to gain 1 pound of body weight. For example, consuming 500 calories from junk food each day can
lead to 1 pound of weight gain in just a week. If you find yourself at the vending machine in the
afternoon, pack healthy snacks the night before and bring them to work. Snack on whole fruit, wheat
crackers and baby carrots with fat-free dressing instead. These snacks provide fewer calories than
junk food, so you are less likely to gain weight.

 Tooth Decay
 A diet rich in sugary sweets increases your chances of developing cavities. Tooth decay occurs when
enamel, the protective coating on your teeth, starts to break down. Eating junk food with a high sugar
content, such as soda, candy and baked goods, coats your mouth, gums, tongue and teeth with sugar.
This sugar coating attacks enamel and leads to tooth decay and cavities. Avoid having a painful trip
to the dentist by eliminating sugary snacks from your diet. If you drink soda, switch to a sugar-free
variety. Lessen your risk of tooth decay by brushing your teeth after each meal or snack.

 Gastrointestinal Problems
 Eating too much junk food might cause gastrointestinal problems. Processed junk food provides very
little, if any, dietary fiber. You need fiber in your diet to keep your bowels moving. If you don't get
adequate amounts of fiber, you may suffer from constipation. When this occurs, you may go for days
without having a bowel movement or have difficulty passing stools. Put down your afternoon junk
food treat and replace it with a fiber-rich apple, orange or bowl of berries. These fruits can curb your
sweet tooth, while providing plenty of fiber to help keep you regular. If you need to replace salty
snacks, opt for celery and peanut butter or air-popped popcorn. These savory options keep you
satisfied if you are craving a saltier type of food.