The Negative Impacts of Junk Food on Health

By, Amiratul Huda Jerry Maslan

Junk food is unhealthy because it contains sugars, fats, salt and artificial ingredients that are not good for health. Among the examples of snacks are sugary snacks, soft drinks, fast food items and packaged snacks like chips. Usually, people choose snacks because it is faster and easier to eat during daily activities such as watching television and eating while driving.

There is no doubt that junk food attracts more attention because advertising about junk food is more often than nutritious food. In addition, the cheaper price and attractive packaging managed to attract the hearts of the community, especially the children.

However, society needs to be careful and take seriously the excessive consumption of junk food can have a negative impact on life.

Firstly, affecting health. Among the diseases that are often associated with excessive consumption of junk food are obesity and high blood pressure. According to the World Factbook-Central Intelligence Agency from 2016-2024, Malaysia ranks second in Southeast Asia with 19.7 percent of the people suffering from obesity. This is caused by unhealthy eating habits. 

Secondly,  junk food contributes to memory problems. According to Kosmo newspaper, a study done by a group of researchers from the United States of America found that food processed using preservatives is at risk of memory loss. This also affects the learning of children and students.

Thirdly, there were financial problems. Although junk food is cheaper and easily available in stores, in the long run it causes an increase in health care costs due to health problems caused by unhealthy eating. So, we need to always take care of what we eat so that our health is more guaranteed.”Prevention is better than cure”.

Next, the disadvantages of consuming excessive junk food will affect the growth of children and adolescents. This is because the growth of a healthy child requires healthy food and nutrients contained in food such as fruit, vegetables, chicken and fish. In general, children prefer snacks over nutritious foods because it satisfies their cravings and taste.

Lastly, consuming junk food will reduce a person’s productivity. For example, school or university students who often eat “maggie” and have sugary drinks to save money or relieve stress will lead to a lack of energy and nutrients needed by the body. This will interfere with their daily learning and health.

Therefore, all levels of society, especially parents and teachers as well as the Ministry of Health, play an important role in ensuring that children and students prioritize nutritious and balanced food over junk food in order to produce a healthier generation in the future.***