MACOMB, Ill. – Most people are probably unaware that Subway’s six inch Chicken and Bacon Ranch sandwich contains more calories – 40 to be exact – than a McDonald’s Big Mac sandwich. For years, Subway has endorsed programs for weight loss; if you eat at Subway and opt to walk rather than drive to your destinations (as did Jared Fogle, Subway’s alleged success story), you will shed away those stubborn pounds effortlessly.

It is true the Chicken and Bacon Ranch is not one of the selections on the “6 grams of Fat or Less” menu; however, an unsuspecting consumer who neglects to read the finer print would naively order this or a similar sandwich and pile on the toppings, with an occasional vegetable or two to justify their selection as a healthy one. In all reality, the caloric value is skyrocketing. Dressings, mayonnaise and cheese quietly sneak onto the sandwich, adding hidden calories to the once-healthy sandwich.

Here is the catch: Subway fails to clarify on any commercial that these sandwiches base their calories and fat counts – 6 grams or less – without these various condiments. In fact, the only place Subway seems to mention this is in miniscule print in their “Nutrition Guide.”

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, as of 2004 in America, 66 percent of the “noninstitutionalized adults age 20 years and over” (civilians over 20 years old) are obese. Subway’s deceptions certainly are not decreasing the margin of obese Americans in the United States. Rather, they are fostering obesity. Think of all the people who not only order fattening condiments on their sandwiches, but double the calories by ordering footlongs.

It is true consumers should be responsible for themselves. It is also true a consumer can take extra efforts to monitor his or her weight. In the real world, though, most people are in a hurry and do not have time to check up on the caloric content of every sandwich.

There is nothing wrong with selling a product, either. Everyone needs a job, and everyone needs money in order to prosper in this society. Cigarette companies have disclaimers that are understandable and legible so their consumers know exactly what the consequences of their actions could be. Look at any carton of Winstons or Camels – the Surgeon General’s warning is clearly identified not only on the cigarette package, but also on every billboard and magazine advertisement.

Maybe the consequences of smoking are easier to identify than the consequences of obesity, but being overweight is just as deadly as smoking.

Arteries clog, cholesterol levels rise, hypertension can occur and heart problems such as heart attacks could also result. Though not deadly, the obese could also suffer from knee problems due to the excess weight being supported, which can bring on a series of surgeries.

Perhaps if Subway followed in the steps of cigarette manufacturers, a small portion of society could be cognizant of their poor health decisions.