1. Double Quarter Pounder With Cheese
Dr. Erik Natkin thinks the Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese is one of the worst items on the McDonald's menu for quite a few reasons. "This item contains approximately 740 calories, 42 grams of fat (19 grams of which are saturated fat), and 1,360 milligrams of sodium," he notes, and that's probably because these high levels of unhealthy fats and sodium can lead to clogged arteries and increase the risk of heart disease.
Regular consumption of such a heavy, fatty meal can lead to elevated cholesterol levels and hypertension, which are major risk factors for cardiovascular problems.
2. Big Mac
The Big Mac is perhaps the most iconic item on the McDonald's menu, but we're sorry to say that it's also one of the most unhealthy. We hate being the bearers of bad news, but the Big Mac contains 590 calories, 11g of saturated fat, and a whopping 1,050mg of sodium. "The Big Mac itself is a calorie-dense option with two beef patties, special sauce, cheese, and high levels of unhealthy saturated fats and sodium," says Lisa Richards, creator of The Candida Diet.
And that's just the burger alone! If you get a meal with a soda and fries as well, you're setting yourself up for an even bigger negative effect on your health; especially when it comes to your heart. "This combination of high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sodium items promotes an unbalanced diet that is not conducive to maintaining a healthy weight or supporting cardiovascular well-being," Richards adds.
3. Big Breakfast With Hotcakes
The Big Breakfast with Hotcakes is another particularly unhealthy choice. Dr. Natkin explains that this meal "packs around 1,340 calories, 63 grams of fat (25 grams saturated fat) and 2,070 milligrams of sodium."
The combination of high calories, excessive fats, and salt can elevate bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and raise blood pressure, which are detrimental to heart health. The large quantity of calories in one single meal can also contribute to weight gain, which further increases the risk of heart disease.
4. Sausage, Egg, & Cheese McGriddle
Ordering a McGriddle may not be the best idea for your body. The Sausage Egg & Cheese McGriddle, for example, contains 550 calories, 33g fat, and 1290mg sodium. Eating this McDonald's item already puts you at over half the recommended daily intake of sodium for adults (2,300mg.) And as health experts warn us time and time again, consuming too much salt can result in serious health risks, including heart attacks, high blood pressure, and so much more.
Ground sausage is one type of meat that experts recommend avoiding for quite a few different reasons. "Ground sausage is often considered an artery-clogging meat due to its high content of saturated fat and cholesterol," Richards explains, adding: "Sausage is often processed with additives, preservatives, and high levels of sodium, which can exacerbate these health concerns by contributing to hypertension and water retention."
What To Get Instead
If you find yourself at McDonald’s and want a smarter option, experts recommend focusing on simpler, lower-calorie meals with less saturated fat and sodium. Opt for a Hamburger instead of a double-patty burger, skip the cheese and heavy sauces when possible, and choose grilled options over fried ones. A Egg McMuffin (without sausage) or Egg & Cheese McMuffin can be a more balanced breakfast choice, especially if paired with apple slices instead of hash browns. Swapping fries and soda for water, unsweetened iced tea, or a small coffee can also significantly reduce your overall calorie and sodium intake. While fast food shouldn’t be an everyday habit, making these small, intentional swaps can help you stay on track without feeling deprived when convenience is a must.