Experts Fact-Check "McDonald's Diet" Story - Verdict: Crash Diets Often Crash-and-Burn

Main Category: Nutrition / Diet
Also Included In: Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness
Article Date: 24 Jun 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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Health experts at the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) weighed in today on a weight-loss story in the headlines, warning that the "McDonald's Diet" adopted by one man is little more than a crash diet, not the kind of behavior change that results in safe, permanent weight loss.

Chris Coleson, a 42-year old Quinton, Virginia man who shed 80 pounds in six months by eating most of his meals at McDonalds, has attracted much media attention. Last December, at 278 pounds, the 5-foot-8 Coleson started eating two meals a day at the fast food chain (he skips breakfast.) Coleson spurned burgers and fries for salads and wraps and now weighs 199 pounds.

According to AICR Nutritionist Sarah Wally, RD, "We applaud Mr. Coleson's resolve, and his recognition that it was time to take action. Being overweight increases risk for heart disease, stroke, hypertension and Type 2 diabetes, and a recent AICR Expert Report concluded that excess body fat is a major cause of many cancers as well."

But Wally was less enthusiastic about Coleson's chosen method. "Mr. Coleson's weight loss was the result of extreme calorie deprivation. His reported daily intake - between 1200 and 1400 calories - was far below his body's needs.

"Rapid weight loss like Mr. Colson experienced is inevitable when calorie intake is cut so drastically, regardless of what - or where - you are eating. But it doesn't lead to sustainable, long-term weight loss and it can be dangerous," Wally said.

The chain offers wraps and salads, which can be healthful options - but which ones you choose, and how many extras you add, can drive up the calorie count quickly.

For example, a McDonald's Asian salad with grilled chicken and low-fat vinaigrette is roughly 340 calories. That same salad with crispy (read: fried) chicken and regular dressing contains 580 calories and provides more than half of the recommended fat intake for the entire day.

The bottom line: Mr. Coleson's experience doesn't make McDonald's a haven for dieters. While some of the chain's offerings can fit into a healthful diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans, the majority of menu options are calorie-dense choices that have been shown to promote weight gain.

For free information on achieving safe, effective, health-protective weight loss and other ways to reduce cancer risk, visit www.aicr.org.

The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) is the cancer charity that fosters research on the relationship of nutrition, physical activity and weight management to cancer risk, interprets the scientific literature and educates the public about the results. It has contributed more than $86 million for innovative research conducted at universities, hospitals and research centers across the country. AICR has published two landmark reports that interpret the accumulated research in the field, and is committed to a process of continuous review. AICR also provides a wide range of educational programs to help millions of Americans learn to make dietary changes for lower cancer risk. Its award-winning New American Plate program is presented in brochures, seminars and on its website, http://www.aicr.org. AICR is a member of the World Cancer Research Fund International.

American Institute for Cancer Research