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Junk food might be easy to get and appealing, but its lasting effects on kids' health are far from safe. Eating a lot of ultra-processed foods can lead to serious health issues, including bad nutrition, obesity, heart risks, high blood pressure, behavioral problems, and dental issues.

Nutritional Quality of the Diet: Research shows that almost half of the energy kids get from food every day comes from ultra-processed items. As the amount of these foods in their diet goes up, so does the intake of carbs, sugars, fats, unhealthy fats, and salt. This is the opposite of what is needed for a balanced diet, which is crucial for healthy growth.

Effect on Obesity and Overweight: Kids who eat fast food often have much higher BMI scores. Around 8 out of 12 studies indicate that drinking more soft drinks and sweet drinks is linked to increased body fat.

Increased Risk of Cardio-Metabolic Disorders: There is a clear link between diets high in ultra-processed foods and heart-related health issues in kids. A study from Spain found that following a Western diet pattern leads to higher levels of markers that suggest greater risks for heart problems. This includes risks for high cholesterol and insulin resistance, which can result in more cases of diabetes and heart disease, possibly leading to heart attacks.

Rising Incidence of High Blood Pressure: While some studies have different results, one study with over 5,000 children in China found a strong link between Western diets and higher blood pressure.

Behavioral Symptoms: Research suggests that kids who eat a lot of fast food are more likely to show negative psychological behaviors. A study involving Norwegian teens found that eating more junk food was related to hyperactivity and attention issues. Likewise, kids who snack frequently were more likely to exhibit oppositional or conduct disorders. Another study involving over 14,000 children in China showed that Western eating patterns, including sugary drinks and meat-heavy diets, were strongly connected to a higher risk of psychological problems. It is believed that unhealthy diets can negatively affect immune and brain functions through stress and inflammation.

Caffeinated Energy Drinks: Drinking too many energy drinks with caffeine not only adds extra calories but also poses severe heart risks. There has been a noticeable increase in emergency cases related to issues from caffeine energy drinks around the world, especially among teenagers and young adults.

Dental Health: Research has clearly indicated a connection between eating junk food and a rise in dental cavities.