If any of you have been on optifast (product in NZ/Aust) - if you have looked at the back of the packet, you will notice that it is made by Nestle.
So not only do these companies contribute to rainforest destruction and global warming - they also have a part to play in obesity. Are their weight loss products now a plan to redeem themselves for the latter?
Junk food companies are making customers fat, then selling them the cure, health experts claim. Deals between producers of junk foods and slimming groups and health charities are allowing the industry to cash in on both ends of the obesity epidemic, they argue.
Partnerships between Nestle and Jenny Craig, McDonald's and Weight Watchers, and Domino's Pizza and the weight-loss show The Biggest Loser have been criticised for trying to make brands famous for selling burgers, fries and lollies appear more healthy.
The companies reject the allegation, saying the associations are meant to offer more healthy choices and are a genuine attempt to be part of the obesity solution.
Jane Martin, of the Australia's Obesity Policy Coalition, called this ''weightwashing'' - a tactic to convince consumers the fast-food industry was responding to the obesity epidemic, in the same way ''greenwashing'' allowed polluting businesses to appear environmentally responsible.
''Junk food manufacturers are at the forefront of this strategy, which is similar to what we have already seen adopted by the tobacco and oil industries,'' Martin said.
''It gives them the veneer of corporate social responsibility.''
Nutritionist Rosemary Stanton said deals between the two kinds of companies toyed with the emotions of people who wanted to support a worthy cause.
''It's a very strange association when we know that certain types of breast cancer, particularly in post-menopausal women, are very strongly related to a high intake of fat, and obesity - both of which get a hefty contribution from fast foods,'' Dr Stanton said.
''These companies are not interested in health; they're interested in marketing and selling more product.''
Global food giant Nestle said it was ''cynical'' and ''a complete misrepresentation of our business'' to claim that its takeover of weight-loss firm Jenny Craig this month was an attempt to buy its way into health policy discussions.
Nestle had a long-term commitment to nutrition and health, corporate affairs manager Fran Hernon said.
Jenny Craig managing director Amy Smith also defended the deal.
''Nestle have made Lean Cuisine and low-fat yoghurts forever,'' Smith said.
''It's over simplifying it just to say there's a conspiracy going on.
''If you look at the reasons why people are gaining so much weight, it comes from a lot more than soft drink and chocolate.''
In March McDonald's New Zealand began selling three Weight Watchers-approved meals.
On another note, another blog I read Something, something fat chick (thanks :) ) - found this picture below:
This weight equates to 169.1 kilos - does anyone else see something wrong with that??? You could have a similar ad for alcoholics where people who drink more than 10 drinks a day drink free - imagine the uproar on that one. Hmmmm
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