The article “Potential Effects of the Next 100 Billion Hamburgers Sold by McDonald’s” (American Journal of Preventative Medicine [2005]:379–381) estimated that 992.25 million pounds of saturated fat would be consumed as McDonald’s sells its next 100 billion hamburgers. This estimate was based on the assumption that the average weight of a burger sold would be 2.4 oz.

This is the average of the weight of a regular hamburger (1.6 oz.) and a Big Mac (3.2 oz.). The authors took this approach because “McDonald’s does not publish sales and profits of individual items. Thus, it is not possible to estimate how many of McDonald’s first 100 billion beef burgers sold were 1.6 oz hamburgers, 3.2 oz. Big Macs (introduced in 1968), 4.0 oz. Quarter Pounders (introduced in 1973), or other sandwiches.”

This activity can be completed as an individual or as a team. Your instructor will specify which approach (individual or team) you should use.

1. The authors of the article believe that the use of 2.4 oz. as the average size of a burger sold at McDonald’s is “conservative,” which would result in the estimate of 992.25 million pounds of saturated fat being lower than the actual amount that would be consumed. Explain why the authors’ belief might be justified.

2. Do you think it would be possible to collect data that could lead to a value for the average burger size that would be better than 2.4 oz.? If so, explain how you would recommend collecting such data. If not, explain why you think it is not possible.