A kid didn’t have to be an obese child to gravitate toward the now gone supersizes at McDonald’s. Now Hugo is a new menu addition. Hugo is a 42 ounce size beverage option. Since the stomach of an adult is sized to handle the volume of maybe a quart or 32 ounces at a time, Hugo is a gut-busting container of empty calories and chemicals likely to pack on unwanted pounds.

McDonald’s is in the business of selling food and beverages at a profit. As a nutritionist and educational psychologist I have to wonder how do adolescents cruising into the fast food giant interpret self-control in the face of a Hugo? They are with their friends. One may boast about downing a Hugo. Another laughs as he recounts Hugo stories making the rounds. And sadly, there’s the athletic youth who can’t make weight because of the Hugo intake.

Susceptible teens, children and value seeking adults may be persuaded to gulp Hugos, but at what price to health? Don’t be duped. You and your overweight or obese child can stick with water.