Sometimes, a Big Mac just isn't enough. That's where the Double Big Mac comes in. Back on McDonald’s menu for the first time in four years, starting Jan. 24. This beast of a burger doubles the standard Big Mac with four beef patties.
It’s got everything you love about the classic: Big Mac sauce, American cheese, lettuce, pickles, and chopped onion. But it’s twice the meat, offering a hefty bite.
Is this meaty indulgence a good idea? Health experts weigh in. Read on to learn how this supersized burger might affect your health.
The Double Big Mac has 740 calories, according to McDonald’s Canada. For an average adult, that’s about a quarter of the daily calorie intake. It also packs 44 grams of fat, with 16 grams of it saturated. Plus, it has 38 grams of protein and 48 grams of carbs.
Erin Holley, a registered dietitian, says the high fat and protein content isn't surprising. Four patties will do that. But she adds, these nutrients can keep you full longer, which might be handy if you’re between meals. “Protein and fat take longer to digest,” Holley says, making you feel fuller for longer.
But there’s a downside. Marlyne Perez, another dietitian, warns about the saturated fats in fatty red meat like this. They can raise LDL cholesterol, which is bad for your heart. She notes, “LDL cholesterol can adhere to blood vessel walls, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.”
Christopher Gardner, a Stanford Medicine professor, points out what’s missing in this burger: fiber. With only 3 grams of it, there’s not much to balance the fat. Lack of fiber can make it harder to control cholesterol and blood sugar.
Sodium is another concern. The Double Big Mac contains 1,020 milligrams of it. The FDA recommends no more than 2,300 milligrams per day. Too much sodium can raise blood pressure, Perez notes.
So, should you order the Double Big Mac? Holley suggests it’s fine occasionally. “I like the 80/20 rule,” she says. “Eat healthy 80% of the time, and allow treats like this 20% of the time.”
Perez advises considering your health goals. If you’re managing weight or at risk for chronic conditions, limit these indulgences. Maybe make it a “monthly occurrence or less.”
Gardner, however, sees the Double Big Mac as a pretty extreme choice. “It’s hard to imagine there aren’t better things to splurge on,” he says, “that wouldn’t be as harmful to your body as a four-patty burger.”