"Junk food" is a term used to describe food that is high in calories from macronutrients such as sugar and/or fat, and possibly sodium, making it hyperpalatable, but with insufficient dietary fiber, protein, or micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals.[1][2][3] It is also known as HFSS food (high in fat, salt and sugar).[4] The term junk food is a pejorative dating back to the 1950s.[5] Many variations of junk food can be easily found in most supermarkets and fast-food restaurants. Due to easy accessibility, commercially-oriented packaging, and often-low prices, people are most likely to consume it.[6]
Precise definitions vary by purpose and over time. Some high-protein foods, like meat prepared with saturated fat, may be considered junk food.[7]Fast food and fast-food restaurants are often equated with junk food, although fast foods cannot be categorically described as junk food.[8][9][10] Most junk food is ultra-processed food.
Concerns about the negative health effects resulting from a junk food-heavy diet, especially obesity, have resulted in public healthawareness campaigns, and restrictions on advertising and sale in several countries.[11][12][13] Current studies indicate that a diet high in junk food can increase the risk of depression, digestive issues, heart disease and stroke, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and early death.[14]
^"junk food". Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Archived from the original on 30 September 2015. Retrieved 13 March 2015.
^"junk food". Macmillan Dictionary. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 13 March 2015.
^Cite error: The named reference smithencyclo was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^Specter, Michael (2 November 2015). "Freedom from Fries". New Yorker. Archived from the original on 2023-09-03. Retrieved 2019-01-01.
^Smith, Rene. "Fast Food Facts". Science Kids. Archived from the original on 2022-08-02. Retrieved 2019-01-01.
^"Food Marketing to Kids". Public Health Law Center (William Mitchell College of Law). 2010. Archived from the original on 28 October 2015. Retrieved 13 March 2015.