New Delhi, August 5 — Health experts are raising alarm bells over the unchecked rise in junk food consumption, calling it a slow poison that is eroding the health of the population from within. From ultra-processed snacks to sugary drinks and deep-fried takeaways, the modern diet, experts say, is doing more harm than most people realise.
“Junk food doesn’t just add weight — it corrodes your system,” said Dr. Reena Ahuja, a senior dietitian at AIIMS. “It creates inflammation in the body, affects your liver, kidneys, and heart, and even alters brain chemistry. What people think of as a harmless burger or packet of chips is actually the beginning of chronic disease.”
A recent report by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) showed a 38% rise in metabolic disorders among young adults aged 18-35, a surge largely attributed to diets heavy in fast food and low in fibre and nutrition. “We are seeing teenagers come in with fatty liver, hypertension, and even early signs of insulin resistance,” said Dr. Ahuja.
The addictive nature of junk food is also under scrutiny. “These foods are engineered to be irresistible,” explained Dr. Sanjay Mehra, an endocrinologist at Fortis Hospital. “They combine sugar, fat, and salt in a way that lights up the reward centre of the brain. It’s a trap — and once hooked, the body starts to deteriorate.”
Beyond physical damage, junk food has been linked to mental health issues as well. Several studies have shown a correlation between diets high in processed food and increased risk of depression, anxiety, and attention disorders. “The gut and brain are deeply connected,” said Dr. Mehra. “When your gut microbiome is disrupted by poor eating habits, your mental health takes a hit too.”
School canteens, late-night food apps, and busy urban lifestyles have all contributed to the spike in unhealthy eating. Nutritionist Pooja Verma, who runs a wellness clinic in Gurugram, said the biggest concern is normalisation. “We’re treating junk food as an everyday meal instead of an occasional indulgence,” she said. “People are eating noodles for breakfast, fried snacks for lunch, and sugary drinks in the evening. It’s a ticking time bomb.”
Doctors also noted that junk food lacks essential micronutrients such as magnesium, zinc, and iron, leading to long-term deficiencies. “You may feel full, but your cells are starving,” said Dr. Verma.
Amidst the rising tide of health complications, doctors are urging a return to home-cooked, whole-food diets rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains. “Your body is not a dustbin,” said Dr. Ahuja. “Feed it with respect, or it will begin to fall apart.”
The growing crisis has prompted calls for public awareness campaigns, regulation on food marketing, and stronger nutrition education in schools. “We are fighting an invisible epidemic,” Dr. Mehra concluded. “And the battle begins on your plate.”
