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How Bad Is McDonald's REALLY? — Whalespan

Content›Video›How Bad Is McDonald's REALLY…

How Bad Is McDonald's REALLY?

Bryan Johnson16m · 2025-09-13

Claims Made

35

Claims Supported

1

Support Rate

3%

Support rate

1 of 35 claims supported

1 supported34 partial / not

Claims from this content

27

✕Not SupportedEmulsifying agents used in McDonald's pickles can disrupt the microbiome, potentially triggering chronic inflammation and metabolic disease.◐Partially SupportedA McDonald's Big Mac contains 580 calories, 11g of saturated fat, 1600mg of sodium, 45g of carbohydrates, 85g of cholesterol, and 7g of added sugar.◐Partially SupportedThe FDA allows food products to list zero grams of trans fat if they contain less than 0.5 grams per serving, potentially leading to higher actual intake.✕Not SupportedFries contain Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs) formed from high-temperature starch exposure, contributing to oxidative stress, inflammation, insulin resistance, vascular damage, and accelerated aging.

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Bryan Johnson's Blueprint Rapamycin Protocol

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AV

A. Volkovreader

4h

Bookmarking — the dossier-vs-overview split is the right call. Most of the time I want overview; sometimes I want receipts.

NP

N. Park

2d

Would love a "what would change this verdict" RSS feed. Sign me up if it exists.

✕Not Supported

Toxic aldehydes like acrolein, HNE, and malondialdehyde are secondary lipid oxidation products that damage cellular components and promote diseases.

✕Not SupportedAluminum salts in food batter may contribute to dementia risk, with one study linking 0.1 mg of aluminum in water to cognitive decline.

✕Not SupportedTBHQ, a preservative in McDonald's frying oil, is described in animal studies as DNA-damaging and potentially suppressing immune cell activity.

✕Not SupportedCaramel coloring contains 4-MEI, a potential carcinogen.

✕Not SupportedThe Egg McMuffin contains heated processed meats, which increase cancer risk.

✕Not SupportedA McDonald's Big Breakfast with hotcakes and a biscuit can cause a glucose spike and subsequent crash, leading to renewed hunger.

◐Partially SupportedA McFlurry with Oreos contains 410 calories and 48g of sugar.

✕Not SupportedA caramel frappe contains 70g of added sugar, and a 5% increase in added sugars correlates with a 23% increase in all-cause mortality.

✕Not SupportedAdded sugar intake should be minimized, ideally close to zero, as it is detrimental to metabolism, liver, pancreas, blood vessels, and accelerates aging.

✕Not SupportedA Big Mac's added sugars and ultra-processed carbohydrates can lead to increased hunger, an extreme insulin and sugar spike, followed by a mood plunge and 'hangry' feelings 90 minutes later.

◐Partially SupportedThe breading in Snack Wrap chicken contains a sodium aluminum agent that can lead to cognitive decline and dementia.

◐Partially SupportedIndividuals are encouraged to choose better food options for their lives when faced with the decision to eat unhealthy food.

◐Partially SupportedBeef from industrial lot-fed cattle has a less favorable fat profile with lower omega-3 and higher omega-6 fatty acids compared to grass-fed beef.

✕Not SupportedThe Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese contains more saturated fat, trans fat, and 740 calories than the Big Mac.

✕Not SupportedThe protein in a Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese is not considered clean and is not recommended.

✕Not SupportedCompanies producing ultra-processed foods are shortening lifespans and damaging health.

✕Not SupportedThe McGriddle breakfast sandwich contains 13g of added sugar.

◐Partially SupportedFructose is 8 to 10 times faster than glucose at producing Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs).

◐Partially SupportedConsuming a sugary drink like Coke or a caramel frappe with a Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese will not lead to satiety.

◐Partially SupportedA Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese contains 740 calories, 48g of protein, more saturated fat, and more trans fat.

◐Partially SupportedThe Snack Wrap contains fried chicken, sauce, cheese, and lettuce, and has 390 calories and 6g of saturated fat.

◐Partially SupportedMcDonald's regular hamburger and cheeseburger contain between 40-50% fat.

◐Partially SupportedThe Snack Wrap contains 900 mg of sodium.