According to the University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA) and the Center for Environmental Education (CEE), students who eat junk food may be increasing their risk to develop severe health complications. Childhood obesity, diabetes, increased blood pressure and risk of stroke, as well as an increased risk for mental disorders, are all associated with youth who eat junk food.
According to Healthline, junk foods are high in trans and saturated fats, which can lead to excessive weight gain and cognitive impairments. Important dietary supplements such as Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for healthy brain function; deficiencies in Omega-3 fatty acids can lead to mental disorders like depression and ADD and for learning disorders like dyslexia. UCLA notes that the mental effects of poor nutrition have the ability to decrease student performance in school, especially as they are linked to memory and focus. Maintaining a well balanced diet is essential for the student's overall health.