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WEEKLY NEWS 4: Health Experts Happy About Size

On Thursday, March 4, 2004, authorities from the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) offered their congratulations to McDonald's Corporation. So why is the AICR happy with McDonald's? Because the fast food chain announced it will be eliminating its "Super Sizes."

Since 1999, health experts at AICR have been saying that American's portion sizes in restaurants have grown too large. In fact, they developed a report that attacked the practice of "Supersizing." Extra large sizes are even more troublesome since research has found that most people finish all the food on their plates, no matter how much they're served! Now it looks as if McDonald's Corporation agrees.

Research and health studies have found a direct link between obesity and increased cancer risk, and many experts believe part of America's obesity problems are cause by out-of-control portions. AICR has worked to try and raise awareness among people about this issue. The organization even has an educational campaign, called "New American Plate," designed to help people learn about proper portion sizes. AICR spreads it message through surveys, brochures, press releases, media events and health aids.

McDonald's Corporation has announced at "Super Size" portions will be eliminated by the end of the year. AICR is hoping that other fast food restaurants will follow McDonald's example.

--Written by Carla Shives

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