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Experts Fact-Check 'McDonald's Diet' Story

Not a good long-term strategy?

June 24, 2008

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Health experts at the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) have weighed in 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.

"We applaud Mr. Coleson's resolve, and his recognition that it was time to take action," said AICR Nutritionist Sarah Wally, RD. "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," she said. "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."

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: AICR maintains that 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, the majority of menu options are calorie-dense choices that have been shown to promote weight gain.

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