The appeal of McDonald’s (NYSE: MCD) cheap, quality food can never be underestimated even as the economy emerges for a recession that drives people to inexpensive restaurants.

Revenue at the fast food company rose 10% in the first quarter to $5.6 billion. Stringent cost controls helped by special operating items moved the firm’s operating income up 20% to $1.64 billion.

Global comparable sales increased 4.2%, with the U.S. up 1.5%, Europe up 5.2% and Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa up 5.7%.  The number of obese people in America must have hit a saturation point.