Junk Food: A Silent Threat to Your Health
Comidachatarra (junk food) is a broad term used to describe unhealthy food items that are high in calories, sugar, unhealthy fats, and sodium but low in nutritional value. These foods are often processed and packaged, and they typically contain unhealthy ingredients such as trans fats, high-fructose corn syrup, and added sugars.
Junk food is a major contributor to the obesity epidemic in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than two-thirds of adults and one-third of children in the United States are overweight or obese. Junk food contributes to weight gain and obesity because it is high in calories and low in nutrients. Eating junk food can also lead to other health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.
| Health Risks of Junk Food |
Prevalence |
| Obesity |
Over two-thirds of adults and one-third of children in the US are overweight or obese. |
| Heart disease |
Junk food is a major risk factor for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the US. |
| Stroke |
Junk food is also a major risk factor for stroke, the fifth leading cause of death in the US. |
| Type 2 diabetes |
Junk food is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes, a chronic disease that affects over 30 million Americans. |
| Cancer |
Junk food is linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including colorectal cancer and breast cancer. |
Tips for Avoiding Junk Food
- Read food labels carefully. Pay attention to the serving size and the amount of calories, saturated fat, trans fat, sugar, and sodium in each serving.
- Choose whole, unprocessed foods over processed foods. Whole foods are less likely to contain unhealthy ingredients and are more filling.
- Make meals at home instead of eating out. This gives you more control over the ingredients in your food.
- Limit sugary drinks. Sugary drinks are a major source of empty calories and can contribute to weight gain and other health problems.
- Get regular exercise. Exercise helps to burn off calories and can help you maintain a healthy weight.
| Tips for Avoiding Junk Food |
Benefits |
| Read food labels carefully |
Helps you make informed choices about the foods you eat. |
| Choose whole, unprocessed foods over processed foods |
Whole foods are more filling and less likely to contain unhealthy ingredients. |
| Make meals at home instead of eating out |
Gives you more control over the ingredients in your food. |
| Limit sugary drinks |
Sugary drinks are a major source of empty calories and can contribute to weight gain and other health problems. |
| Get regular exercise |
Helps to burn off calories and can help you maintain a healthy weight. |
Success Stories
- Sarah lost 50 pounds by cutting out junk food. Sarah was overweight and had been trying to lose weight for years. She finally decided to cut out junk food and start eating healthy, whole foods. Within a year, she had lost 50 pounds and was feeling healthier than ever.
- John lowered his cholesterol by 50 points by giving up junk food. John had high cholesterol and was at risk for heart disease. He decided to give up junk food and start eating a healthy diet. Within six months, his cholesterol had dropped by 50 points.
- Mary reversed her type 2 diabetes by eliminating junk food from her diet. Mary had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and was taking medication to control her blood sugar levels. She decided to eliminate junk food from her diet and start eating a healthy diet. Within a year, her blood sugar levels had returned to normal and she was able to stop taking medication.
