Jacobson of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, in 1972. The term junk food dates back at least to the early 1950s, although its coinage has been credited to Michael F. Junk food is a pejorative dating back at least to the 1950s. Most junk food is highly processed food.Ĭoncerns about the negative health effects resulting from a junk food-heavy diet, especially obesity, have resulted in public health awareness campaigns, and restrictions on advertising and sale in several countries. Fast food and fast food restaurants are often equated with junk food, although fast foods cannot be categorically described as junk food. Some high-protein foods, like meat prepared with saturated fat, may be considered junk food.
Precise definitions vary by purpose and over time.
It is also known as HFSS food (high in fat, salt and sugar). Junk food is unhealthy food that is high in calories from sugar or fat, with little dietary fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals, or other important forms of nutritional value. A poster at Camp Pendleton’s 21-Area Health Promotion Center describes the effects of junk food that many Marines and sailors consume.
