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What Junk Food Does to Your Body

With more than two-thirds of our population classified as overweight or obese1, the effect junk food has on the body may seem obvious. But seeing your number slowly creep up on the scale isn’t the only cause for alarm; the true havoc junk food is inflicting on our bodies is more than just skin deep.

Short Term Effects

Food is fuel for the body, and filling up with foods of low nutritional value impacts our energy levels and performance.

Refined carbohydrates – are filled with sugar and stripped of nutritional value

Gives quick, temporary boost of energy

Causes body’s inability to regulate insulin levels

High-Fat Foods – are filled with largely saturated fats and stick with the body

Within 5 days of high-fat diet the body’s ability to metabolize glucose reduces

Glucose levels in the body rise and the body’s metabolism is slowed further2

Long Term Effects

Recent studies have begun to show an increased link between frequent junk food intake and diseases.

Frequent consumers of junk food are 51 percent more likely to be diagnosed with depression3

People who consume junk food even once a week increase their risk for heart disease by 20 percent

2 to 3 times a week increased risk is 50 percent

4 times or more times a week increases risk 80 percent

Increase in risk for diabetes when consuming junk food 2 or more times a week4 is 27 percent

High-Energy Density and Trans-Fatty acids may contribute to increased weight gain and abdominal obesity5

The Hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory, can become insensitive to insulin causing Dementia

The number of known and emerging adverse effects junk food has on the body can only be combatted with information and subsequent action. Empowering people to make healthier choices has a lasting positive impact.

Learn how a Master of Science in Nutrition Education can make you the person who changes lives.

programs.online.american.edu/msne

Sources Include

1https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/Pages/overweight-obesity-statistics.aspx

2http://www.vtnews.vt.edu/articles/2015/04/041315-cals-skeletal.html

3http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage-online&aid=8480071&field=S 1368980011001856

4https:www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/07/120702210212.htm

5http://www.nature.com/ijo/journalVv31/n6/full/080361a.html