Study: Overweight servers sell more food, drinks

A new study says overweight waiters serve more food than their slender counterparts at full-service restaurants.

Researchers at Cornell University's Food and Lab Brand looked at almost 500 interactions at 60 American restaurants and found when a waiter's Body Mass Index is higher than 25, the waiter sold more food and beverages.

Those servers were also four times more likely to sell customers dessert, and customers were 17 percent more likely to order alcohol.

"I feel like that's probably true," said Shelby Borer, a server and hostess at The Delectable Egg in Colorado. "Just because they probably experienced some different desserts or a lot more appetizers."

But before you go pointing fingers at servers' waistlines, consider how much time they spend on their feet each shift.

"I've worn a step tracker before, and I think I get more of a workout here than I do in the gym," said Borer, who works out regularly.

But, some customers say weight has nothing to do with how they rate the service.

"I just want someone that is nice and kind, and has a spirit," said Alvaro Espinosa, a customer at The Delectable Egg. "I think the main thing you look for in somebody that is working -- in any work -- is someone doing it from his heart."

Espinosa says friendly service is what keeps him coming back, time and again.

"I like to be with people who really love their job," he said.

Researchers say if you're looking to cut calories and costs, it's best to decide on your order before the waiter comes to the table.