In 2025, the allure of junk food remains as potent as ever, with fast food consumption reaching unprecedented levels globally.

• The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that China has a massive fast food sector, with more than two million fast food establishments operating across the country

Additionally, due to increasingly hectic lifestyles, many people now rely on the convenience of online food ordering, leading to a surge in junk food intake that is causing harmful effect on health. With limited time or energy to prepare home-cooked meals, takeout has become the go-to solution, often dominated by fast food and processed food options, further contributing to junk food intake.

This shift in eating habits is not just about convenience it's fostering a culture where junk food intake becomes normalized in daily routines. As a result, the rapid expansion of the food delivery industry is closely tied to the rising trend of fast food intake, raising serious concerns about long-term health impacts of junk food.

• As per Acumen Research and Consulting, Malaysia's online food delivery market is projected to reach a valuation of USD 6.1 billion by 2032, expanding at CAGR of 9.5% between 2024 and 2032

Marketing Strategies Targeting Youth

Fast-food companies are employing sophisticated marketing strategies to captivate younger audiences, often downplaying the junk food side effects that come with frequent consumption. Tactics like meal bundles with collectible toys, QR code ordering systems, and branded mobile apps offering exclusive deals are designed to attract and retain young customers, all while masking the junk food impact on health. These strategies not only boost convenience but also build brand loyalty from an early age, further normalizing high levels of junk food side effects in children's diets.

• According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and unhealthy foods in children under 11 years is associated with increased BMI, higher body fat, and a greater risk of overweight or obesity. However, the certainty of this evidence remains low to very low. More high-quality research, particularly in low-income countries, is needed to fully understand the impact of junk food on children and to guide effective health policies.

Additionally, fast-food brands are increasingly using influencers and social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram to promote visually appealing but unhealthy foods, subtly encouraging junk food side effects among impressionable teens.

• According to PLOS Organization, a content analysis of 1,373 posts from leading influencers popular with adolescents (ages 13–17) on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, posted between June 2021 and May 2022, showed a frequent promotion of food products. These posts utilized strategic marketing techniques to make these foods more appealing, thereby encouraging young audiences.

Regulatory Responses and Health Initiatives

Growing health concerns linked to fast food and processed food, governments worldwide are tightening regulations. These include requiring clearer nutritional labeling and limiting the marketing of unhealthy foods, especially to children. Such measures aim to reduce the widespread consumption of fast food, which is often high in calories, fats, and sugars.

Moreover, street food, commonly sold in many urban areas, is also being targeted by health initiatives. Many local governments are introducing guidelines to improve the nutritional quality of street food, encouraging vendors to offer healthier alternatives.

• Recognizing the health implications, regulatory bodies are taking action to curb junk food impact on health.
• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, along with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has unveiled new measures to gradually eliminate all petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the country’s food supply. This marks a key step in the administration’s larger effort to improve the nation's health under its "Make America Healthy Again" initiative
• On July 3, 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) released new guidelines aimed at shaping policies to safeguard children from the harmful effects of food marketing that encourages unhealthy dietary habits

These actions are part of a broader effort to curb the rising rates of obesity and other diet-related health issues. This move reflects a growing commitment to safeguarding public health by scrutinizing food additives, which could limit the junk food impact on health.

How Fast Food Chemicals and Poor Preparation are Fueling Health Risks

Some appliances made with low-quality plastic components may release harmful chemicals like BPA (Bisphenol A) when exposed to heat. Additionally, over-reliance on devices such as deep fryers or microwave ovens can lead to unhealthy cooking habits, like consuming more processed or high-fat foods. This contributes to the junk food impact, which often goes unnoticed in daily routines.

The convenience of these appliances can mask the junk food impact on health they encourage through poor dietary choices. Over time, the junk food impact accumulates, increasing the risk of chronic health conditions. Addressing the junk food impact on health requires not just better ingredients, but also smarter cooking methods and awareness of the tools we use. As per Acumen Research and Consulting, the food preparation appliance market size accounted for USD 25.1 Billion in 2023

Certain basic chemicals commonly found in food, such as artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and food coloring, can pose serious health risks. These chemicals, often present in junk food intake, have been linked to issues like hormone disruption, obesity, and increased cancer risk.

• Healthdirect Australia Limited states that, consuming junk food and sugary drinks can result in both immediate and long-term health issues, such as weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease.

Frequent junk food intake exposes consumers to these harmful substances, contributing to the growing health concerns associated with modern diets.

Consumer Shifts Towards Health and Sustainability

Consumers are increasingly prioritizing health and sustainability in their food choices, driven by growing awareness of the risks associated with frequent junk food intake.

• The "Nutrition Forward" trend highlights functional eating, where individuals seek foods that provide targeted health benefits, moving away from empty calories tied to junk food intake.

In response, there's a noticeable rise in demand for plant-based options, as people aim to reduce junk food intake and adopt cleaner, more nutrient-rich diets. Even major fast-food chains are adapting by offering meat alternatives to appeal to health conscious customers aiming to cut down on junk food intake while still enjoying convenience.

• According to Acumen Research and Consulting, the global plant-based seafood market was valued at USD 103.2 million in 2023 and is projected to grow significantly, reaching approximately USD 1,730.8 million by 2032.

This rapid growth reflects a significant consumer shift toward health and sustainability, as more people seek eco-friendly and nutritious alternatives to traditional seafood, thereby reducing health impact of junk food.