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Low nutritional value -

Most junk foods are packed with simple carbohydrates, fats, and sodium. They usually lack the nutrients you need to nourish your body.

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Obesity -

Junk food is usually high in calories and very addictive. Consuming more calories than our body needs will lead to obesity.

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Obesity - Obesity is linked to a number of health problems. Among other aspects of your body, your respiratory system can suffer.

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Breathing - Difficulty breathing and even the development of respiratory diseases can occur.

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Respiratory system - A study has found that children who consume fast food at least three times a week are more likely to develop asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, and severe eczema.

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Consistency and texture - Due to the consistency of fast food, you spend less time chewing and will consequently eat faster.

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Hunger -

Not only will you eat faster, but you will eat more, as your brain will not have enough time to release leptin, a hormone that signals that you’re full.

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Impact on digestive and cardiovascular systems - Fast food is packed with sugar. In the presence of these simple carbohydrates, your body will release insulin to control the spike of glucose in your blood.

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Impact on digestive and cardiovascular systems -

This is how your body works. The twist is that if you do this too often, you are more likely to develop insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

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Mental health -

Consumption of junk food has been linked to effects on your mental well-being in addition to your physical. 

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Mental health -

A study has concluded that fast food and other processed foods may increase your risk of depression.

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It can make you feel sluggish and lethargic -

High fat and carbs are the perfect combination for you to want to take a nap, instead of being productive and moving.

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But it can also make you a bit hyper -

A study found that artificial food coloring can increase hyperactivity in children.

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Memory and cognitive function - Junk foods may have an impact on these as you’ll feel more tired and unable to focus due to the poor nutritional value of certain foods.

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High sodium -

Sodium makes food taste better and it’s indeed an important mineral, but too much of it can make you feel bloated.

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High sodium - But water retention is not the only consequence of excessive sodium consumption. It can elevate blood pressure and consequently put your cardiovascular system under stress.

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High sodium - In addition, excess sodium can increase the risk of developing kidney stones and kidney disease.

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Food coloring -

Caramel-coloring in sodas has been linked to cancer, so it’s not only solid foods you need to worry about.

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Weak bones -

Consumption of junk food can lead to lower bone density. This is mostly due to the high sodium in these foods.

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Inflammation -

Phthalates, chemical compounds found mostly in plastic and food packaging, increase levels of inflammation in the body. This can lead to a number of health problems.

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Reproductive system - Phthalates can also impact how your hormones work and potentially affect fertility.

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Dietary fiber - Junk foods lack dietary fiber. This means that if you eat a lot of it, it will affect your digestive system and you might become constipated.

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Cancer -

Meat cooked at certain high temperatures produces heterocyclic amines. These compounds may increase the risk of developing cancer, a study found.

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Teeth -

The acidic nature of many fast foods, including sodas, can break down tooth enamel, leading to cavities.

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Skin -

The sugar spike you get from junk foods can trigger a number of inflammatory responses, including acne and eczema.

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Trans fats - Artificial trans fats are commonly found in a number of junk foods. 

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Trans fats - The consumption of trans fats can increase bad cholesterol and decrease good cholesterol.

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Trans fats -

But there’s more! You're also at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

See also: Healthy snacks to help you power through the day

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