Regular Junk Food Consumption Can Trigger Serious Health Risks, Noted Experts Warn Amid Viral Claims

New Delhi, Jan 2026 : Medical experts on Saturday cautioned that the regular consumption of fast food — ranging from deep-fried street snacks to meals from quick-service restaurant chains — can cause severe long-term damage to health, significantly increasing the risk of life-threatening conditions such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders and certain cancers. While occasional indulgence may not be harmful, doctors stressed that making junk food a dietary staple can have serious consequences over time.

The warning comes amid widespread discussion on social media following viral posts claiming that an 11th-grade student from Amroha district in Uttar Pradesh died due to excessive consumption of junk food while undergoing treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, in December. The claims sparked public concern and debate over the dangers of fast food, especially among young people.

However, medical professionals and family members have clarified that the viral narrative is misleading. According to the girl’s family, she was suffering from an intestinal infection that ultimately led to her death. Media reports further indicated that she had multiple serious health issues, including severe typhoid and suspected tuberculosis. Doctors at AIIMS later stated that the immediate cause of death was cardiac arrest.

Commenting on the issue, Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, former President of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Cochin and Convener of the Research Cell, Kerala, said that while excessive junk food intake is harmful, it should not be inaccurately linked to conditions it does not directly cause. “Habitual excessive consumption of fast food leads to obesity, fatty liver, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia, but it is definitely not a cause for intestinal perforation,” he explained.

Dr. Jayadevan further noted that in young Indian adults, intestinal perforation in the absence of trauma is most commonly caused by medical conditions such as duodenal ulcers, typhoid, tuberculosis or severe appendicitis. “The two main causes of ulcers of the stomach and duodenum are Helicobacter pylori infection and excessive intake of painkillers,” he added, underscoring the importance of accurate medical understanding rather than speculation.

Despite the misinformation surrounding the viral case, doctors unanimously agreed that regular fast food consumption poses serious health risks. Junk food is typically high in calories, unhealthy fats, refined carbohydrates, sugar and sodium, while being low in essential nutrients such as fibre, vitamins and minerals. This imbalance can lead to both short-term discomfort and long-term disease.

Short-term health effects

One of the most immediate impacts of junk food consumption is rapid weight gain. Foods high in calories, sugar and unhealthy fats can easily push daily caloric intake beyond recommended limits, especially when consumed frequently. Another concern is inadequate nutritional intake. Since fast foods provide minimal nourishment, people may feel hungry even after eating, leading to overeating and persistent cravings.

Digestive problems are also common. Diets low in fibre and high in fat and sugar can cause bloating, gas, acidity, constipation and acid reflux. In addition, junk food can cause sharp spikes in blood sugar levels, followed by sudden crashes, resulting in fatigue, irritability and difficulty concentrating. These energy fluctuations can significantly affect daily productivity.

Mood disturbances are another short-term consequence. High sugar and fat content may trigger brief feelings of pleasure, but these are often followed by emotional lows, contributing to anxiety, irritability and mood swings.

Long-term health consequences

Over time, regular junk food consumption substantially increases the risk of obesity. Excess body weight is a major risk factor for several chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes and joint disorders. Most fast foods contain trans fats, saturated fats and high sodium levels, all of which raise cholesterol and blood pressure, increasing the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes.

Excessive intake of refined carbohydrates and sugars can lead to insulin resistance, significantly raising the risk of type 2 diabetes — a condition now increasingly seen in children and adolescents. Poor dietary habits also impact mental health. Studies suggest that unhealthy diets can affect brain function, contributing to cognitive decline, depression and anxiety.

A diet dominated by processed foods has been linked to chronic conditions such as fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome and even certain types of cancer. Nutritional deficiencies caused by reliance on junk food can impair bone health and hinder proper growth and development in children. Additionally, poor nutrition weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections.

Citing broader data, experts pointed out that unhealthy diets are a major global health concern. Studies have shown that fast food consumption is associated with “all-cause mortality,” meaning an increased overall risk of premature death. Globally, unhealthy diets are estimated to contribute to approximately 11 million deaths every year.

Prof. Dr. Naresh Bansal, a senior gastroenterologist at a leading Delhi-based hospital, warned that the damage caused by junk food is often silent. “Regular eating of fast food can slowly harm the heart, liver and blood vessels. It leads to obesity, high blood sugar and high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke and sudden death — even in young people who otherwise appear healthy,” he said.

Health experts emphasised that while occasional consumption of fast food is unlikely to cause significant harm, consistently choosing such foods over balanced meals can have devastating long-term effects. They urged the public, especially parents and young people, to prioritise nutritious, home-cooked meals rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.

Doctors concluded that no food can replace the benefits of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Awareness, moderation and informed choices remain the key to preventing lifestyle-related diseases and ensuring long-term well-being.

Team Maverick.

Disclaimer: Maverick News is not responsible for any medical decisions taken on the basis of this report. Readers are advised to consult qualified healthcare professionals for personalised medical advice.