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It's important to understand the nutritional value of the food you are buying. Remember also that the Health Star Rating system is designed only for packaged products sold in shops, so it won’t include some healthy foods - including fresh unpackaged food such as fruit and vegetables. However, it is important to note that this system is very generalised and the nutritional value of some products may not be accurately expressed through the rating they receive. These ratings are found on the front of packaged items. Packaged foods are rated between half a star and 5 stars based on how healthy they are. It provides a quick and easy way to compare similar packaged foods. While finding healthy alternatives to junk food can sometimes be difficult, the Health Star Rating system is a convenient tool to help you determine how healthy a product is. If your diet is high in fats, salt and sugar and is not receiving essential nutrients, your risk of obesity and other chronic (long-term) diseases may well increase. sugary drinks (such as sports, energy and soft drinks).fast foods (such as hot chips, burgers and pizzas).Junk food is also known as discretionary food or optional food. Junk food is so called because it doesn’t play a role in healthy eating, especially if it's eaten to excess. 'Junk foods' are foods that lack nutrients, vitamins and minerals, and are high in kilojoules (energy), salts, sugars, and fats. Related information on Australian websites.Does eating junk food cause health complications?.How can I reduce the amount of junk food I eat?.Can I include a small amount of junk food in a healthy diet?.Consuming junk food can lead to short and long-term health complications, including weight gain, diabetes and heart problems.Understanding the nutritional value of the food you eat and being aware of advertising ‘tricks’ can also help you minimise your junk food intake.Reading nutritional information labels and following the Health Star Ratings system can help you make healthy food choices.'Junk food' is food that contains high levels of fats, salt and sugar and lacks nutrients such as fibre, vitamins and minerals.