The Problem Of Super-Sizing

 February 17, 2009
Interview with Hank Cardello, author of Stuffed: An Insider's Look at Who's (Really) Making America Fat

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Mike Carruthers:
As we look at the obesity problem in this country, a lot of people are pointing fingers at the fast food companies, saying they are a big part of the problem.

Frank Cardello:
It's really economics. I mean nobody sat in their offices in these fast food restaurants or in the food companies saying, "How do we make people overweight or fat?" - rather they make more profits the larger the size gets.

Former food executive Hank Cardello, author of the book Stuffed

So for instance, with super-sizing a beverage, a beverage is pretty cheap. So the bigger you make it - the bigger the profit.

Some government agencies are looking to crack down on the fat and calories served by big food companies.

For instance, in December New York state proposed an 18% tax on soft drinks. I would propose that they get ahead of the issue, start making healthier versions of their products and they'll stay ahead of this regulatory tsunami. Otherwise they will be engulfed by it.

There is some movement in that direction - some snack food companies are now offering these hundred calorie packs. So you get only 100 calories of cookies or crackers per pack.

Studies have been done that show that people who eat only out of those hundred calorie packs are eating about a 120 calories less per day than people who eat out of the big box. So that's a good way of demonstrating that portion control can work in a way where people still get to enjoy what they're used to eating.

To hear the complete unedited interview, click here.