Samboan, Cebu – The term "junk food" has been around since the early 1970s, when the Center for Science in the Public Interest used it to raise awareness of unhealthy foods. Although not everyone agrees on which foods are junk foods, the term is commonly used to describe foods that are high in calories but low in nutrients. Junk foods typically contain high levels of fat, sugar, and salt. Junk foods are also typically processed, meaning they contain artificial flavorings and additives and are packaged in boxes, cans, or bags. Junk food is so-called because it does not contribute to healthy eating, especially when consumed in excess. Junk food is also known as discretionary food or optional food.

Some common examples of junk foods include sodas and snack foods, such as potato chips, crackers, and candies. Popular fast-food items, such as hamburgers and French fries, are frequently classified as junk foods because they contain a lot of calories but few nutrients. Other foods, depending on how they're prepared, are considered junk food by some but not by others. Some people consider pizza to be junk food because it is high in fat and calories. Others, on the other hand, believe pizza can be a good source of grains, dairy, vegetables, and meat, all of which contain many nutrients that the body requires.

Consuming junk food frequently raises the intake of extra fat, simple carbohydrates, and processed sugar, which may increase the risk of obesity and cardiovascular diseases as well as other chronic health issues like type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and several malignancies. Obesity that results from this could start to clog the arteries and set the stage for an approaching heart attack. // ND II Bea Margaux E. Cornelia, RND