Consumption of junk food is strongly linked to obesity due to its high calorie and fat content and low nutrient value. This in turn can cause weight gain, excess body fat, and an increased risk of various health problems. Obesity among young people is fast emerging as a global health concern. Experts have linked junk food to increases in both overweight and obese children and adolescents since 1990. Reports say that in 2022, globally over 390 million people of the 5-19 age group were overweight, and 160 million were living with obesity. This rise is linked to an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure, with environmental factors like unhealthy diets, like junk food, and sedentary lifestyles playing a major role. Prevalence of obesity among young people in the 5-19 years age group has risen dramatically from 8% in 1990 to 20% in 2022. Again, while about 2% of children and adolescents were obese in 1990, it rose to 8% by 2022. Important to note, while the rise in obesity affects both boys and girls, it is more prevalent among boys. Experts have described consumption of unhealthy, high-calorie foods – junk food – as a major factor for obesity. Sedentary lifestyles, often linked to increased screen time with television, computers, mobile screens and video games, contribute to lower energy expenditure. Obesity in childhood increases the risk of developing non-communicable diseases like type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease at a younger age. Young people who are obese may experience various health issues like breathing difficulties, increased risk of fractures, hypertension, and early signs of heart disease. Experts have suggested increased focus on promoting healthy eating habits, encouraging physical activity, and limiting screen time. Early identification and management of childhood obesity are crucial to prevent long-term health complications. Above all, keeping away from junk food is the best solution. Junk food, after all, is often high in calories, unhealthy fats, sugar, and salt, while being low in essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals.