SHOCK: McBurger gets bigger and fatter and so are consumers' arses

It appears that McDonald's is, in a reversal of its recent healthy choices campaign, moving back to basics. Basics being a big artery hardening , waist expanding fast food experience that doesn't cost much, but doesn't leave you feeling full either.

Macca's new chief says: "We are a burger business. Our traditional menu - hamburger, cheeseburger, Big Mac, quarter-pounder, chicken sandwich - is front and centre of our plans. The emphasis has changed." The quote is from the new president of McDonald's UK - Steve Easterbrook. He admits that the healthier menus accounted for less than 10% of the company's sales.

According to the World Health Organisation:-

• Globally, there are more than 1 billion overweight adults, at least 300 million of them obese.


• Obesity and overweight pose a major risk for chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and stroke, and certain forms of cancer.


• The key causes are increased consumption of energy-dense foods high in saturated fats and sugars, and reduced physical activity.

Australia is now the 21st fattest country in the world with 67% of the population overweight. United States is in the top ten at 74% overweight. The list makes for interesting reading.

Governments all over the world, once realising that there is a link between cigarette consumption and health care costs have started to take drastic action to curb the number of places people can smoke and obtain tobacco products.

With the approval of new fast food outlets firmly in the hand of despots who decide zoning applications, how long is it before some level of government expresses an interest in the health of the people they are supposed to serve?

Maybe only when the cost of health exceeds the cost of inaction.

from Richard Webb