Super Size Me…Again!

Just when you think portion sizes have reached their max, McDonald’s introduces a drink and burger that can top them all.  After the call by the U.S. Surgeon General in 2002 for the food industry to take control on portion sizes, it seems that very little action has actually been taken. 

According to the article from Reuters Health, instead of reducing portion sizes at these restaurants, they have changed the name from “biggie” to small, medium or large sizes.  In 2004, McDonald’s discontinued it’s super size menu, after much speculation stemming from the documentary “Super Size Me”.  However, McDonalds’ new 42 ounce soft drink and 1/3 pound burger offer hefty portions as well as a hefty calorie count.  The burger, eaten with a large fries and large coke, can equal up to 1700 calories!!  (That is almost all of a person’s daily calorie allowance!) 

McDonald’s isn’t the only place still serving these super size portions; other fast food restaurants including Wendy’s and Burger King have portions this size.  These large portion sizes play an important role in the obesity problem because: they provide more calories at each meal, they encourage people to eat more and they lead people to underestimate the amount of calories they are consuming.  Considering that Americans spend half their budget on meals outside of the home, these meals are becoming cheaper and more convenient.

Even though most of these restaurants have started offering healthier options, like apple slices and salads, the hamburgers and fries still make up the bulk of sales.  So the next time you decide to eat out, just because it does not say “biggie” it still may be too much! 

Add comment August 23rd, 2007