Some businesses follow a strategy of “vertical integration,” which means that they acquire suppliers and/or distributors in their industry so they can capture a higher proportion of the revenue and, hopefully, profit streams that flow from the end customers through to the raw material suppliers. Given that most large enterprises are at least aware of this strategy, it amazes me that all diet companies aren’t owned by owned by fast food enterprises or vice versa.

The combination of diet products and services and fast food would create a perpetual profit machine. “Congratulations, you’ve lost 10 pounds on our diet program! Why not celebrate by treating yourself to a colossal size fries and a triple bacon cheeseburger, with a chocolate sundae for dessert? … Oh, so sorry about all that weight you put on. Our advanced diet plan can help you with that. … Congratulations, you’ve lost …”