A diet that consistently contains oozy fats, sugary sweets and deep-fried everything can give you a lot to look forward to if you maintain your unhealthy eating habits. Many things happen when people don't eat healthy --- one of which can be premature death. You might not notice any ugly side effects from your eating habits right away, but unhealthy eating can eventually catch up with you. Discuss your diet with your doctor.
Weight
Your ballooning weight might be the first thing you notice from an unhealthy diet. Lots of calories, lots of fat and little nutrition can easily lead to big numbers on the scale and, eventually, obesity. One in three Americans is obese, according to MayoClinic.com, which is defined as having a body mass index --- a ratio involving height and weight --- as 30 or higher. If your BMI is higher than 40, you've reached the morbidly obese stage.
Arteries and Heart
Cardiovascular problems can be another side effect of unhealthy eating. Atherosclerosis --- hardening of the arteries --- can occur, making it more difficult for oxygen-rich blood to stream through the necessary channels to get to your heart and the rest of your body. Atherosclerosis turns your arteries into hard, inflexible tubes lined with a fatty buildup. It is also the top cause of cardiovascular disease and, according to the MedlinePlus online medical encyclopedia, is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States. Heart disease and a heart attack can result from hardened arteries.
Chain Reactions
Even the less severe consequences of an unhealthy diet can pile up and lead to bigger problems. High cholesterol levels, for instance, contribute to the fatty buildup that leads to hardening of the arteries. Likewise, major health issues can result in an array of other problems. Obesity, for instance, can lead to type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, blood fat abnormalities, liver disease, skin problems, stroke, depression and certain types of cancer. Obesity can also contribute to a heart attack.
Considerations
You don't need to start eating only lettuce and tofu to make your diet healthier. Small changes can make a big difference if you engage in them consistently. Instead of frying everything, try baking, broiling or grilling. Removing the skin from chicken and turkey can help, as can dining on fish at least once a week. Opt for low-fat versions of sour cream, margarine and salad dressings. Use cooking spray instead of oil. Fruits and vegetables are a plus, as long as you don't coat the veggies with butter or get the fruit on top of a giant slab of cake.
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