Dietitians: big portions - big gain

"Double" and "enhanced" portions of sugary drinks at fast food restaurants can add up to 30 extra pounds a year, say researchers from Loyola University in Chicago.

As the researchers found, only 200 extra calories a day - equivalent to a small portion of sweet drinks - lead to weight gain by about 2 kg per month or 9 kg per year. And if the extra calories of about 600, the weight gain may be 28 kg or more per year.

Scientists believe that large portions of sugary drinks - it's not only an opportunity to quench your thirst or enjoy. "These drinks - pretty sneaky source of empty calories" - the researchers say.

Increased portion sizes distorts perception of man and does not allow him to respond adequately to the body signals of hunger and thirst. In fact, according to scientists, people often use external signals to decide when to eat and when to stop. That is, in this case guided by the view of a beverage or food, which more profitable to sell as much as possible of the goods.

By the way, scientists from the UK think that man in general rather difficult to control portion sizes and calorie content of their diet, so keep track of what and how much is on your plate or glass, is particularly thorough.