junk food

Dr. Chris van Tulleken took part in a month-long experiment. He ate 80% of his calories from ultra-processed food. He explains what happened in his new book, Ultra-Processed People.

An ultra-processed diet made this doctor sick. Now he's studying why

2:48pm July 24, 2023

by Allison Aubrey

A diet composed of 80% ultra-processed foods led one British doctor to gain weight and feel unwell. Now he's trying to nail down the health effects of this type of diet, which many Americans eat.

Cutting back on ultra-processed food in your child's diet doesn't have to be a huge lift. Learn shortcuts and smart swaps, like giving them nuts for a snack instead of chips. Even if they're salted, the higher protein and healthy fats in nuts are an added benefit.

Health & Safety

How to cut back on junk food in your child's diet – and when not to worry

5:00am May 28, 2023

by Maria Godoy

Kids today live in an ultra-processed world: Nearly 70% of what they eat is packaged, processed and probably not great for them. Here are ways to cut back, without cooking every meal from scratch.

Child influencers have a huge following on social media. Now a new study from the University of Connecticut's Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health finds these videos are frequently exposing young viewers to junk foods like candy, salty snacks and sugary drinks.

Health & Safety

Kid YouTube stars make sugary junk food look good — to millions of young viewers

7:01am February 16, 2023

by Maria Godoy

The platform banned food advertising, yet many videos viewed by millions of kids continue to showcase candy, soda and packaged snacks, likely affecting kids' food preferences, researchers say.

As soda consumption has dropped in the West, companies are making an effort to woo new customers in other places. This Coke bottle ad is in Mozambique.

Junk food companies say they're trying to do good. A new book raises doubts

11:08am February 01, 2023

by Pien Huang

As the marketing of soda and fast food ramps up around the world, the companies involved forge partnerships to help the poor. The new book 'Junk Food Politics' casts a critical eye at their efforts.

The U.S. food system makes junk food plentiful and cheap. Eating a diet based on whole foods like fresh fruit and vegetables can promote health - but can also strain a tight grocery budget. Food leaders are looking for ways to improve how Americans eat.

Health & Safety

The U.S. diet is deadly. Here are 7 ideas to get Americans eating healthier

1:41pm August 31, 2022

by Allison Aubrey

The way many Americans eat is fueling chronic disease. Here are seven big ideas from the White House's upcoming nutrition conference for how to improve Americans' diets.

A person buys soda at a convenience store in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, on April 13. The country has high levels of obesity and medical conditions that health authorities warn are related to a diet high in soda and processed foods.

'We Had To Take Action': States In Mexico Move To Ban Junk Food Sales To Minors

12:06pm September 14, 2020

by James Fredrick

"The damage of this kind of diet is even more visible because of the pandemic," says a Oaxaca legislator who spearheaded a law against the sale of junk food and soda to minors. The idea is spreading.

Queue Listen Now

A family sells pastries in Mexico City. As Mexicans' wages have risen, their average daily intake of calories has soared.

Malnutrition Hits The Obese As Well As The Underfed

2:05pm December 23, 2019

by Allison Aubrey

New research finds millions of people are getting enough calories but not enough essential nutrients. We asked leading researchers how to fix the problem.

Researchers in the U.K. say a teen has suffered vision loss after years of eating a highly limited diet consisting of snacking on Pringles potato chips, as well as French fries, white bread and some processed pork products.

Blind From A Bad Diet? Teen Who Ate Mostly Potato Chips And Fries Lost His Sight

4:28pm September 03, 2019

by Allison Aubrey

A poor diet can lead to vision loss, experts say. For a teen, it's certainly rare, but a new case study documents blindness in a boy who ate lots of chips, white bread and bits of processed meat.

Queue Listen Now

It's well-known that junk food ads on TV can strongly influence what kids want to eat. A study finds social media influencers can have the same effect on kids --but not when it comes to healthy foods.

Social Media May Sway Kids To Eat More Cookies — And More Calories

1:00pm March 04, 2019

by Patti Neighmond

It's well-known that junk food ads on TV can strongly influence what kids want to eat. A study finds social media influencers can have the same effect on kids, but not when it comes to healthy foods.

Queue Listen Now

London Mayor Sadiq Khan announced a ban on junk food advertisements across the city's transportation network on Friday. The new rules will take effect on Feb. 25, 2019.

Mind The Junk Food: London To Ban Ads For Unhealthy Eats On Public Transportation

3:13pm November 23, 2018

by Vanessa Romo

In February, the city will ban advertising for food and drinks high in salt, sugar and fat in all of London's public transportation network. It is part of a plan to curtail rising childhood obesity.