Junk Food And Unhealthy Food

A study was conducted to calculate what percent of Americans were obese. The results were shocking. In the year 1980, all of the states had an obesity rate of less than 15%. Just 20 years later, none of the states had an obesity rate of 25% or more. Now, in the year 2014, 41 states have an obesity rate of at least 25% (Nordqvist). The obesity rate has doubled since 1980, from 15% to 30%. Unhealthy foods, such as junk food and fast food, are the leading cause of obesity and health issues. To prevent diseases and further growth in the obesity rates, a tax should be placed on junk foods.
In the Merriam-Webster dictionary it states that junk food are foods that are not good for your health because they contain high amounts of fat or sugar and are high in calories, but have low nutritional value. Any food that is high in salt, sugar, fat or calories and low nutrient content is considered junk food. Junk foods are often heavily processed and prepackaged, making them easier to prepare and consume. A few examples of foods commonly considered junk food include fast foods, candy, sodas, and prepackaged snacks. Though fast food and junk food can be easy and fast, its health impacts are too great to ignore.
An unhealthy diet of junk food will lead to low energy levels, weight gain, short

Junk food will cause energy levels to spike, but then the energy levels too quickly drop. In addition, eating junk food can cause moodiness and make it difficult to sleep at night, so energy levels cannot be truly restored to normal (Miller). The most noticeable effect is weight gain. People who eat excessive amounts of junk food will quickly gain weight, which over time can lead to obesity. The extra weight will have a negative impact on the health of the rest of the body. It can raise cholesterol levels and blood pressure, which contributes to heart disease. Furthermore, eating junk foods can cause one to develop insulin resistance which is a leading cause of