Burger that needs an hour of exercise to burn off

By Dr. Ananya Mandal, MDMar 28 2011

Fast food chain KFC is set to launch its latest fat-and-sodium laden creation that has done away with the most basic of burger ingredients - the bun. The ‘Double Down’ instead has bacon, sauce and two slices of melted cheese between two pieces of deep fried chicken. The figures stand thus;

• Original version – had 1,939kj and 22.3g of fat & weighed 212g
• Zinger version – will have 2,515kj and 35.7g of fat & will weigh 232g. This is well more than a quarter of the average daily adult intake of 8,700kj.

A McDonald's Double Quarter Pounder, tops this with 3,560kj, while Macca's Grand Crispy Chicken is 2,510kj. Worst of all is Hungry Jack's Ultimate Double Whopper, which delivers a whopping 5,085kJ, laden with 80.5g of fat.

In short, leading nutritionist Dr Rosemary Stanton labelled KFC's Double Down burger “horrifying”. In the grips of an obesity epidemic, Australians did not need any more fattening burgers, Dr Stanton said. “Two-thirds of men and more than half of women are overweight. We don't need more of these sorts of things. It's horrifying,” Dr Stanton said.

Nutritionist Susie Burrell added that it would take an hour of intense exercise to burn off the 1939kj. “It's gross over-consumption because it is above and beyond a regular burger,” Ms Burrell said. Ms Burrell said it was disappointing to see such a high-fat product released when most fast-food chains were offering healthy options, backed by the Heart Foundation tick. “It's disappointing because large companies, especially fast food companies, are so keen to market health campaigns,” Ms Burrell said.

KFC in reply said the Double Down should be enjoyed as an occasional treat and part of a balanced lifestyle. The KFC New Zealand website recommends “eating sensibly, combined with appropriate exercise, is the best solution for a healthy lifestyle”.

A huge hit in the US and Canada with 15 million sold, the Double Down is being squarely marketed at men in the Down Under marketing campaign. KFC is describing it as one of the “manliest” burgers available marking the launch with a "Month of ManTime" in which Aussie men are encouraged to enjoy more time with their mates.