I find it alarming that this broadcast casually encourages the consumption of more than 2000 calories in a single meal when close to one out of every three people in The United States is overweight or obese. As a nation we continue to glamorize both excess and consumption with little acknowledgment of the cost. With upwards of $147 billion dollars spent on obesity-related health care just last year, we are starting to hear more truth about food, but until the media changes its attitude we will be a long way from truly beginning the fight against obesity. Obesity is a deadly disease. It is robbing people all over the country of living healthy and productive lives. Shame on Microsoft for collaborating with Burger King to dream up this excess. It seems they will stop at nothing to compete for dollar bills. What a shame that one of the most powerful media organizations in the world has chosen to reward them for it.

Wow... that's foul.

Nina has a valid point, but I think she has overlooked the fact that this burger is only available in Japan - a country with a near non-existent obesity problem a very real beef shortage. Makes sense from that perspective...

you did noticed they are talking about japan. right? not america.

I find it alarming that people find it alarming that a story regarding a huge burger in japan is "glamorizing" both excess and consumption. The story is just that a story, it doesn't state this is a grand idea, it doesn't say HEY EVERYONE SHOULD DO THIS! If the fat people can't stand back and say "I shouldn't eat this because its bad for my body!" then why should the rest of us bend over backwards to change what we read/watch, or eat/drink? I for one will not, I do however encourage all overweight people to eat less each day, and at least walk every day -Does that mean I'm glamorizing exercise and constraint?

I find it disgusting and horrible that, not only would a restaurant promote something like this, but CNN would do a story on it.

Also, this is in Japan, so your US-based obesity claim is sort of moot.

Nina's comment, although well-intentioned, fails to grasp the larger corporate picture. Microsoft, the developer of a third-rate operating system (XP, Vista, 7) made an ideal pairing with Burger King, the purveyor of a third-rate burger (Whopper & related). Bloatware & Bloatfood – America's perfect Combo!

When are we the consumers going to demand better, more functional and nutritious products & services from mega-business who insist they are offering us "the state of the art?"

Excessive and bloated consumption. A fitting description for a 7 patty Burger King Whopper and a Windows operating system.

"Obesity is a deadly disease"... So is stupidity, this burger is not even being marketed in the US so quit your tirade about fat people. The Japanese are in good enough shape to handle a couple of these burgers over the promo period. As far as "Microsoft for collaborating with Burger King to dream up this excess" get real, you really think the geniuses at Microsoft have nothing better to do then extend their brand into the world of fast food. Please think before posting such garbage in the future. That is all.

Could just be me, but Ive always thought that obesity is a personal issue. If you're fat, freakin take charge and stop whinning. Take a walk down the street instead of to the fridge, eat a salad, and most of all dont eat these fast food supersized meals! Get off your can and stop wasting my time and healthcare tax dollars because you dont have the sense to eat right. Same goes for childhood obesity. Get your fat kid out of the house and onto a soccer field or something. I applaud Microsoft for finding yet another way to prove the average person is an absolute moron.

How can anyone find this appetizing?? just a lame marketing trick. She probably threw up after eating it!

a reasonable marketing scheme, considering the hard times...the smartest investment in a time of recession isdefinitly in your stomach.

this is obscene 2000 calories!!!! i eat less in a day lose some weight people!!! no offense

Nina Medeiros....Couldn't have said it better myself. CNN, McDonalds and MS should all take a look at being more responsible instead of promoting this kind of garbage. Shame on all of you.

Imagine what you're doing to your poor colon. Here it is accustomed to having 2100 calories pass thru it daily and you decide to subject it to that same amount in one Mt. Vesuvius type eruption 3 hours after ingesting that beast of a burger. I hope those Burger Kings have stocked up on plungers.

exercise and all will be well.

I find it alarming that people care so much about what others are doing. Get a hobby.

Kudos !

Notwithstanding the fact that I agree with most of your comments, I have to wonder about your reasons for making them. I'm willing to bet most folks already know what a Whopper tastes like; surely a seven-patty Whopper tastes the same, only "meatier," so the only people nutty enough to actually shell out $20 to try one would be those folks gullible enough to do whatever the media asserts is "cool" or "new." To suggest that CNN should have some responsibility to shepherd these mindless idiots would effectively be biting the hand that feeds them.

I say, "Let them eat Whoppers."

Eeewwww! How disgusting that people will shovel that amount of food down their gullets in one sitting. Reminds me of a Monty Python sketch with Mr Creosite who explodes from all the food he'd eaten. Not a bright move Microsoft – probably thought up by whippet-thin marketing gurus who live on coffee and nerves.

I disagree with you, Nina Merdeiros. If you eat everything that is advertised to you, then you will likely be overweight no matter what is being advertised. To blame the obesity of America on corporate advertising schemes takes away personal responsibility and assumes that people will do whatever they are told. If you consistently eat unhealthy, indulge regularly in 7-patty burgers, and don't exercise, you will be over weight. Don't blame a corporation, don't blame CNN, and don't blame Kyung Lah, blame yourself. Nobody can make you fat except you.

Seriously this issue is worthy of front-page journalism. Thankfully the producers and writers didn't focus on issues like beef consumption and health, or beef consumption and the environment. A little investigation about why McDonalds is more successful than Burger King in Japan would have been way too educational for me, so please don't give me any of that stuff.
Good job!

Nina's right about the obesity in America.

Good thing this promotion is in Japan.

I think the previous poster (Mederos) is projecting her own agenda into the report. I do not read this article as promoting the consumption of a 2,100 calorie hamburger. Kyung Lah admitted it was more than he usually eats in one day and cast doubts on the burgers logevity (if not necessarily those who eat it).

Furthermore, Mederos goes on and on about how the article is an example of the United States glorifying obesity when the reporter is Japanese and the article clearly datelined from Japan.

WRONG! It's not the media's fault. It's all the sheep in the country that let themselves be led without learning for themselves. Take off the blinders, educate yourself and stop feeling sorry for the willing ignorant. Catering to the "stupid" of the world is what's dragging our country into the mire. Don't believe me? Just look back into history when others believed that the masses should be taken care of, told what to do and how to think.

I am a resident physician in Boston, and agree 100% with the above comments posted by Nina Medeiros.

Oh PLEASE. Comments to make on your completely unnecessary "smack down" of CNN:

1) In case you didn't notice the entire tone of the article, this was not a promotion made in America (of which I definitely agree with your obesity information and conviction to the fight), this is in Japan which has an obesity rate of closer to 4%.

2) This is a promotion. It is only available for a limited time, and I find it VERY hard to believe they (Burger King, Microsoft, or anyone) would encourage this to become a regular menu item anywhere in the world.

3) CNN regularly prints articles that it does not agree with, not to mention this is the BLOG section which by its very definition implies that we are reading something that is of a personal/individual viewpoint. If you'd like to be angry with someone, I guess you could be angry with Kyung Lah the author of this blog...but I thought it was interesting. At least he noted that the burger was over 2000 calories, which is more than other people might.

In the future, it would be a great idea to direct your anger regarding obesity to someone who actually deserves it (not that Burger King is an angel here...we all know their role).

Oh, for pete's sake, people can think for themselves! If someone wants to eat til they puke everyday, it's their right. If they don't that's also their right. WHO CARES??? This is a funny article, take it for that and butt the heck out of who's doing what, including Burger King and whoever else is promoting their product, junk food or otherwise. AND I'm tired of obesity being called a disease and blamed on everything and everyone except the people who are actually at fault: THEMSELVES. Unless there's actually an underlying health issue, which truly is NOT someone's fault, then there's no reason for people to gripe about being fat if they're doing the things that MAKE a body fat. I'm over 40 and my entire life has been saturated with information "out there" about what's right for your body and what isn't, so there's no excuse for someone with normal intelligence (and above) not to know what causes it. It's about CHOICE, plain and simple and no one else has any business making it FOR someone else. No one says you have to be mindless cattle and run out and feed just because the dinner bell rings, but if someone wants to, it's THEIR business.

Obesity is a real problem, but why should businesses or news outlets be responsible for an individual's actions? That's like holding Chicago Cutlery responsible for someone being stabbed using one of their knives. The real disease in this country is the lack of taking responsibility for one's own actions.

Nina,
Get over it. Everybody knows eating to excess is bad. But it is really ok to have some excessive fun once in a while.
I guess we won't be seeing you in Atlantic City for the hot dog eating contest..

"but until the media changes its attitude we will be a long way from truly beginning the fight against obesity".....

Preposterous. So, you are fat and you blame someone else? Grow up. And if you can blame anyone at all, try blaming first yourself, then your parents for being the "protective" ones who made sure your chocolates, your pies, your ice cream and your Nintendo were never missing from your life.

Nina M.:
Calm down, Lady. The author never said "run out and eat 2100 calorie meals all day, every day." It's a story about a big burger. Don't let it get your panties in a twist....

Nina –

Do you really think that CNN is being irresponsible in reporting on this? The network is not "reward[ing] them for it," they are doing their job and relating an interesting story in a factual manner. If anything, the article seems to imply that 2100 calories in one sitting is too much. They do, after all, refer to it as a "gut bomb."

Additionally, the first two words in the story give you a location: Tokyo, Japan. This is a marketing campaign designed for Japanese consumers shopping in Japanese markets. The people who came up with the idea were probably Japanese (yes, I know that Microsoft and Burger King are American companies, but both have branches in Japan handle Japanese marketing and sales). So. . . why are you ranting about obesity in the United States? What does that have to do with anything?

Third (forgive me for pursuing your digression), obesity is not "robbing" anyone of anything. As for the "attitude in the media," it's quite a stretch to accuse American media of glorifying obesity. If anything, the media glorifies being overly skinny. I've never heard anyone say "I kept eating because TV made me think being fat was cool." Moreover, what "truth about food" are you referring to? I seriously doubt there are any overweight people in America staring at their gut thinking "How did that happen?!" Obesity is a problem, but it's not the media's fault. The burden of this disease (pun noted, but not intended) lays entirely on the shoulders of the afflicted individuals.

In sum...what on earth are you talking about?

I agree, but they don't force anyone to eat it. You can't blame these sort of things for obesity, it's the peoples fault that they don't eat smarter. Even if they didn't have the 7 burger, there are still people that will order and eat 7 burgers in one day.

Um, if you'd read the article, or even the first sentence, you'd see this is in JAPAN, not the US.

Also, yeah, it's Microsoft's fault that people in the US are obese. It couldn't be the obese people's fault in any way. Duh. (end sarcasm) It's everyone's personal responsibility to eat healthy. If they don't, it's their fault, not anyone else's.

Agreed. Absolutely disgusting, not to mention awful for your body to consume that much meat and calories at once. Ick.

"I find it alarming that this broadcast casually encourages the consumption of more than 2000 calories in a single meal when close to one out of every three people in The United States is overweight or obese. "

Why is this alarming? I found it interesting that the promo occurred, and don't see anything wrong on reporting on it.

Let people live the way they want. I could understand concern if this was specifically targeted at children, attempting to circumvent parents' control. If you ask me, the most alarming events in the world stem from people feeling they have some sort of right to go around defining how other people should live.

Where is this story? Japan. It is not the United States. If seeing a puff piece about food drives someone to eat more, then that person has other more serious problems.

BTW, I am underweight, if anything. I am 6'7" and weigh about 190 lbs.

Get off your high horse, and get over yourself Nina. As a less than trim American I can attest to one fact. If you don't want to be overweight, then don't eat fattening food. Rather than taking the role of the victim, why don't you suggest that people exercise self control? To put it simply, if you don't want to be fat, don't eat fatty foods. If you don't care, knock yourself out, I don't care and neither should you. In America, we have the freedom to do pretty much whatever we want, but that also means that we should be held accountable for the decisions we make, good or bad. Think about that next time you're about to put that ketchup covered french fry in your mouth. BTW, the Windows 7 whopper is on sale in Japan, not the US. The soapbox you should really be on is obesity in Japan. Those poor Japanese, being tricked into eating 7 patty whoppers.... the humanity!

Seems that nobody is being forced here. The companies have chosen this a method of promotion. People freely choose to trade their yen for a giant burger. Microsoft has the right to pursue the dollar, just as anybody else does.

I find it alarming that Nina is so ignorant with regards to personal responsibility that she refers to obesity as a "disease". It is a choice for all but a handful of people with serious medical conditions, and the rest of us should not have to endure this fascistic nonsense in the mean while. This is a one off promotion limited to 30 people at each restaurant, it is also in Japan, a country with a much lower level of obesity than the US, and nobody at CNN is rewarding or glamorizing anyone for it; should they just not report anything that some people don't like?! And is anyone really shocked that restaurants make more money by selling more food?! If it's too much JUST DON'T EAT/BUY IT.

This is disturbing and is absolute evidence supporting the fact that major corporations such as burger king (and somehow Microsoft), simply could care less about human health and well being.

I think the target consumers are Japanese, who are in generally not overweight, so it's okay. The marketing strategy for US should be different.

@Nina

And the funniest thing is, there's also another glamorization in the fat-loss industry. These things sure go hand in hand. First consume 2100 calories from one single burger, then spend hours on losing weight. No wonder why we're starting to see recovery in our economy!

Whoever is in charge of the marketing department for this idea should be fired!!! 2100 calories??? Are you stupid??? That's not even people's daily intake, especially in Japan. Why would you promote such nasty product, where people are on a healthy diet? In this case bigger is def not always better. What a shame...

Kyung Lah is my hero! She ate that entire thing!!! That was awesome!!! If I wasn't married already I would want to marry that incredable woman!! Where does she put it all?!?!? I run 5 miles everyday and I would never be able to polish that thing off.
I am truly impressed Kyung. Keep up the great reporting for CNN!

lol i laughed when i read this article, how can some one stuffing their face with all that fat be entertaining it just seems stupid.
Am not surpised cause the media will sink down to anything for money no matter what it may cost the society.

@ Nina
I appreciate your concern and sense o duty, but they are not selling it in the US, they're selling it in Japan. It's a promotional, geared at generating interest, not adding a menu item. Which makes your comment although factually, and socially relevant, seem a little self-serving.

I agree to a certain extent. But then, where individual responsibility? It is really up to each person to be responsible for themselves-and what they eat. Blaming Microsoft and Burger King is silly. They are merely trying to make a buck. If there are people out there dumb enough to eat these monster burgers on a regular basis, then they have only themselves to blame. Blaming others for our problems is the problem.

Obesity has many faces Nina, the most obvious face is gluttony. If gluttony is a disease then my name is Rumplestiltskin. While I agree that the USA is an overweight nation, I can also point out that it's about choice and choices, for the most part. I CHOOSE not to partake of this burger. I choose to walk at least one mile a day. I choose. I don't let others choose for me. I choose to accept responsibility for my actions.

People choose to purchase and ingest this mammoth sized burger. The consequences of doing so should be obviously apparent.

I think Nina misread the article. CNN isn't encouraging anyone to EAT the burger, they're reporting on an interesting advertising strategy. Also, Burger King has had, for a very long time, really outrageous advertising. The King, the 'I like square butts' song with spongebob for kids meals, ect. This is another Crispin Porter Bogusky ad Im sure, since their other client is Microsoft, and it's attention grabbing as usual.
By the way, BK offers veggie burgers and apple fries... I don't think they're all that evil, they're just another fast food joint.

If you actually read the whole article, this is in Japan. While they do have obesity there, it's not nearly as bad as here in the US. And, they have government-sponsored weight loss programs that I hear are highly successful. One giant burger every once in a while (and this is a limited time offer) isn't going to kill anyone. Multiple burgers over a long period of time will.

Think before you type.

lol its in japan

I don't believe obesity is a problem in Japan. Certainly not to the extent it is here in the States. Seeing as the promotion was in Japan, I really don't see a problem. It would be different if the promotion was here in the states. While the products that they do offer aren't much better, they are not as bad as this promotion.

I totally agree Nina.

The quality of journalism is clearly so low, that Kyung Lah is incapable of generating anything meaningful or cerebral beyond pandering to mega corporations and cheap media stunts.

Bravo CNN. Oh wait, thats why you are officially last place among cable news networks these days. Unfortunately the days of true reporting and journalism is slowly dying off and have been replaced by commentary on news that is pathetic at best. Left and Right leaning news organizations are despicable.

I'm sure CNN will claw it's way out of last place, with quality articles like this one. Can I have the last 5 minutes of my life back please?

Are you going to stop using Microsoft Windows?

Let people live their own lives. If they want to eat a 2,000 calorie burger, then so be it. The Nanny State does more harm than that burger.

That´s not all that is alarming...
In this day and age where the concern on animal rights is beggining to , fortunately, grow?

Now that we know more about the impact of raising farm for food can cause to the environment?

What an example! Bravo!

2,100 calories, that's it?

A Chili's Big Mouth burger is about 2,000 calories by itself. And it's on the every day menu.

It is not 2100 calories in a single meal. It is 2100 calories in a single sandwich. Whatever is eaten or drank with it will add to the calorie count.

Trends like this will result in Asian obesity rates among the young that will rival the West. Sad indeed for cultures that used to boast more healthy fare.

Nina, Yes, shame on corporations preying on the weak American people who have no will power to resist a 2100 calorie burger! How dare they!

Maybe we should shut down the airlines flying to Japan to prevent Americans from flying there in order to take part in this promotion!

Are you going to go to the airport and picket flights to Japan to protect the Americans?

Hey no one forces these burgers down your throat right? This is why we live in a capitalistic society, you do whatever and however you want (of course as long as it is law permitting). Corporations have the right to advertise however they want if they think it will boost their overall income.
To be honest it sounds to me like Nina herself is obese, and was probably eating a double bigmac as she was typing her comment.

This broadcast did not casually encourage anything. If you decide to start eating Whopper 7 burgers twice a day from here on out because you saw this broadcast, you have bigger problems than obesity. You may be mentally impaired.

The fact is, there is no problem with occasionally eating a 2100 calorie burger. That is, if you otherwise have a healthy diet and lead an active lifestyle (unfortunately, most modern Americans don't). Obesity is pandemic because of many reasons, but not because of this promotion. These reasons affect people's lifestyles, not their momentary diversions. Eating mostly processed, corn-syrup-enriched foods. Eating "on the run" or over the sink.

Actually, i would say your reaction to this story is part of the problem. Because you treat eating like a job (and a strict one at that). Eating is meant to be enjoyed. Sit down and have an interesting meal with interesting people. Actually enjoy your food, as opposed to enjoying the fact of being full or getting your eating chores out of the way. I bet you'll eat healthier food and less food.

Notice that all the people actually eating it in the segment were skinny.

dang wat a huge hamburger

I find it alarming that people are so taken with serious issues of the day that they can't stop and enjoy a lighthearted story about a burger promo without being alarmed.

I find it alarming that this bothers you so much. People should be allowed to make their own choices when it comes to what they eat. Anyways, this was in Japan, not even here in The United States.

In a word – disgusting.

Hey ,WE are all masters of our own lives. Either eat healthy or eat unhealthy the choice is yours . That simple !

Nina, perhaps you missed the small fact that this promotion is offered in Japan. If you're going to quote obesity statistics, at least make them pertinent. Also, at no point while reading this article this article did I get the feeling that it "encourages the consumption of more than 2000 calories in a single meal..."

This is a "fluff" piece. It was designed to entertain and amuse. Quite honestly, I'm more amused by your reaction than this silly little cross promotion.

Yes, obesity is a very large problem in America. (Obvious pun, but un-intended.) But please acknowledge the fact that the responsibility for correcting this issue lies with the consumer. Ultimately, they will be the ones who have to "put the fork down."

Blaming Microsoft (a software company), Burger King (who are responding to, albeit unhealthy, consumer demand), or CNN )a new agency who's reporting the story, not publishing the recipe) seems a little misguided.

It's inevitable in every food story that some self hating fascist fatso will write about the dangers of eating and how horrible Americans are as if they are somehow endearing themselves to all the world's America haters. It's a stupid promotion. They barely had 30 people take the deal in 2 hours it's not like it's flying off the shelves. It's a Windows 7 promotion. Why don't you worry about what YOU are eating.

@Nina Medeiros

I find it alarming that you believe that this is occurring in the United States, when clearly the broadcast "casually mentions" that the deal is available only in Japan, and only for one week, and is only a "deal" for the first thirty customers at each location, each day.

Yes us Americans are obese and dying from it and heart disease, etc but if there is one thing we do share with the Japanese culturally is respect for those that can eat a tremendous amount of food. Almost all competitive eaters are either Japanese or Americans. You just knew after watching Takeru "Tsunami" Kobayashi destroy all the Americans on ESPN earlier this decade eating hotdogs that we would breed our own champion to challenge this mighty foe. Joey "Jaws" Chestnut came on the scene and after several legendary battles the last few years he is the world challenger. Yes not only do we televise it but I bet there will be a hall of fame for it soon which will document the intense rivalry over the years between these two great champions. Gluttony after all, is not only fun but profitable as well.

Chill out. There's no reason to be a party pooper. It isn't like people are going to make a habit of this and order 10 of 'em to snack on all week. Geeze...people and their lack of a sense of fun and enjoyment...

Meant to say American Joey Chestnut is the undisputed world eating champion not challenger. Yep us Americans love food and are competitive so no suprise there.

Sorry Nina I don't see it as encouraging consumption of 2000+ calories. Its just a gimmick promotion. Publicity!! 4 patty Whoppers are already on the regular menu. I love Whoppers but I never tried a quadruple one.

This is disgusting. The amount of natural resources necessary to produce this seven patty burger is staggering. Current and future inhabitants of the Earth are screwed unless we get control of our population growth and our manic consumption of the planet's resources. BOOOO CNN, BOOOO Microsoft and BOOOOO BK.

Well Nina, thankfully for the American waste band this story is taking place in JAPAN. Not everything morbidly disgusting originates in this country.

That's amazing How can you eat it right away, I think I only can eat it up to half of it.

Great comment Nina Medeiros. I wish more Americans would wake up and stop letting the media control how they live their lives.

@Nina, this promotion is only in Japan, so it has nothing to do with America....

Although I agree that those who do live in countries that have problems with obesity should work towards a healthier population.

But not everything revolves around America (~_^)

I personally find it entertaining that Microsoft would team up with Burger King to put on this 'whopper' of an advertising campaign. Obesity is a choice. If you cant get up and physically walk to the nearest Burger King to eat one of their delicious meals, then you probably shouldn't eat there in the first place. All it takes is a little self control to keep your diet in check. Then again the general public isn't too keen on that, are they?

Nina's point is well taken. However, I understand that this occurred in Japan, where obesity is much less prevalent compared to that in US.

While I wholeheartedly agree with you on the rampant problem of obesity in the US:
This took place in Japan, the promotion wasn't available in the US.

Lighten up, Nina.

Nina, it's a novelty burger, not Armageddon. Now, if it had included bacon...

This is the typical mindset that has led to the ridiculous amount of lawsuits in the US let alone the kid gloves approach America is heading to when handling anything controversial.
This was a stunt plain and simple, if you truly believe that MS and BK now intend for people to include a 7 patty burger in their daily diet you need to step back into reality. Shame on Microsoft and Burger King? Shame on those who make life decisions leading to "preventable" obesity.
I have not been blessed with the ridiculous metabolism that some have that can eat whatever yet maintain a slim figure. However, I do use common sense eat manageable amounts of food, not feasts. And exercise, it all boils down to choices, can you make the choice that is best for you. Let someone else make their own decision for themselves.
Don't blame the media; blame the individual who lacks the drive to ask more questions. Don't take media information for gospel; look into it for yourself if you question it.

People take everything much, much too seriously. Does anyone who eats a 7-patty whopper not know exactly what they are doing to themselves?

Of course obesity is a problem. Its very easy to condemn a "soulless" corporation like Microsoft and Burger King, but that is just an excuse to avoid the real issue. Personal *and* social factors are in play here.

But a little (0g trans fat) food for thought.... Next time we need to see a Windows 8k race, with a free copy of Microsoft's operating system for whoever runs the whole way under a certain time. Now that's a publicity stunt that won't put anyone in a hyperglycemic coma.

really that's what you got from this article? I would argue the point of this article with you but I don't think you would grasp it.

7 patties? That's just disgusting!

Dear Nina,

Relax.

Sincerely,
Society

Nicely said Nina. Good job!

Nina, not to negate anything you said, but this promotion was in Japan.

You don't like it, don't eat it. This is a perfect example of free market, it's your choice. Why get so bent out of shape? Is it McDonald's fault that a person who eats there consistantly is obese? Not a chance. It's the choice of the consumer to eat too much and be fat.

So does Apple retort by pairing with the Big MAC?

@Nina Medeiros

Nobody is going to look at a 7-stack Whopper and think it's anything but a novelty. This is a fun story, and seeing Kyung Lah, who doesn't look very large, polish off her whole burger will make a lot of people smile, as it has me. Thanks, Kyung Lah!

Nina, hat would you suggest? Banning reporters and news agencies from choosing hamburger-related news items? Banning companies from using promotions that don't fit your health code?

I've been a vegetarian for almost 20 years, but I have to say that the constant social pollution caused by PC overreaction is more irritating to me than people's choice of diet, their health consequences notwithstanding.

This is a fun story, nothing else.

Could not agree more Nina as you state, we have a nation of unhealthy fat children & many are not even covered by insurance. But the bottom line is the health of these kids & the garbage BK, Carls, McD's & others sell, is in no way healthy.
Sure, due to pressure, some have added "healthy" options, but do the research, many of them, while better, are still not healthy. But as long as they continue to make huge money & the FDA is close to blind on the issue, it will continue.
So how can this trend change ? Very simply; the parents have to get involved. Many do & I appluad them, but thaey are in a small minority. But if the majority of parents would not allow their children to eat at these dumps, the chains would be forced to change, to meet the new demands. But it's sad so many parents are so lazy, that they choose the least bothersome way of feeding their kids.

Forget the excess in this story, how about:

1) Journalism that vicariously promotes product placement is wrong. A more appropriate way to have handled this would have been to provide Microsoft and Burger King genuine advertising space.

2) This is not news, it's fluff. I buy or read Newspapers, not Fluffpapers.

3) If we teach Asia how we ourselves are eating, we're in big trouble. The frugality of the Asian diet keeps the incidence of cancer down and means they can reasonably self support. Nearly half the worlds population in is Asia. As is a quarter of its food. Do the math.

Nina, while obesity is a bad thing indeed, we are grown-ups, we have to take full responsibility for our actions in our lifestyle, too. We cannot blame only fast food chains for getting huge.
People are not going to look for these monster-meals their whole life. It's just fun to have a monster burger once or twice. As a fan of burgers I believe a good burger once in a while is not gonna do any harm.
And the promotion is just a funny joke. This is not where obesity starts. Its roots are much more deeper than that and they originate far-far away from fast-food restaurants.

To Nina Medeiros, you do realize this is Japan, the country that has one of the most healthiest people in the Industrialized nations, not the United States.

Leave to the Ugly American to rear their head as soon as the opportunity presents iteself. This is a story about Japan- not America. Obesity is rarely an issue for the Japanese inJapan and the foreigners here as well. Portion size is much smaller than in Europe or America and self control is something that is taught from a young age.
Obesity may be a problem in America but this story is from the odd bin and should be enjoyed as the silliness it is. Take this in the same vein as Nathan's annual hot dog eating contest or others like it. Lighten up and remember that not everything is about you.

Wow... Way to miss the whole point of the article. Nothing like Americans jumping to conclusions and running rampant with accusations and assumptions.

Did you miss the point that this promotion is only in JAPAN?

This burger is only available in JAPAN, Nina. Calm down.

Trying to kill everyone else? I don't get it.