Say ‘No to Upsizing’

Food Standards Scotland has launched a ‘No to Upsizing’ campaign urging people to be aware of the extra calories that can accumulate by consistently saying ‘yes’ to upsized offers on food and drinks.  

‘Upsizing’ or ‘upselling’ – going large, adding a side order, making it a meal or adding extras – can lead to us eating and drinking extra calories, without even thinking about it.

Saying ‘yes’ to upsizing a cheeseburger meal, with fries and a sugary fizzy drink, adding a side of onion rings, and saying ‘yes’ to making your coffee large with an extra brownie, could add an additional 1500 calories each week. Assuming these extra calories are not offset by increasing activity or eating less on other occasions, then the average weight gain could be around 10lb over a year.

Heather Peace, Head of Public Health Nutrition at Food Standards Scotland, said: “Being overweight or obese are major health issues for many people in Scotland and this is something that should concern us all. It’s surprising how easy it is to put on extra weight without us even realising. By being more conscious of the times we are being upsold to, we will feel more comfortable to say ‘no’ more often, as it’s an easy way to avoid extra calorie intake.”

Councillor Jim McMahon, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “I welcome this campaign which will hopefully help consumers to make more informed choices.

“Around 45% of Scots don't think about the extra calories or impact on their health from upsizing meals, so it’s important for us to highlight that these additions and extras aren't needed, and that we can all benefit from just saying no to them.”

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