McAddict's Change of Heart

[DBAHO]

WHEN US film-maker Morgan Spurlock unwrapped a McDonald's Big Mac in Sydney yesterday, his eyes opened wide and he grinned broadly.

 

Only it wasn't the burger the 33-year-old was so excited about, but the nutrition table on its wrapping. "Wow, they haven't got that in the States yet," he said before screwing up his nose at the smell of the fast food.

 

Last year, Spurlock spent 30 days eating McDonald's for breakfast, lunch and dinner and documented his gastronomic journey in the award-winning film Super Size Me.

 

The idea for the documentary, which will be released nationally on June 3, came after he saw a TV news report about two teenagers suing McDonald's for making them obese.

 

At the beginning of the month, the 188cm Spurlock weighed 84kg and was deemed fit and healthy by three doctors - a GP, a liver and blood specialist, and a cardiologist, who monitored his progress.

 

Within two weeks his liver, according to his GP, had "turned to pate", he had gained more than 11kg, and his cholesterol had risen from 168 to 230.

 

By week three Spurlock woke one morning with chest pains and heart palpitations.

 

"The worst thing was the mood swings. I would be so excited when I'd eat and then I'd come crashing down - the highs and the lows were incredible because the food is filled with so much fat and sugar and caffeine, and all the stuff gets you amped up."

 

As for eating another Big Mac, Spurlock's answer is surprising. "To this day, if I smell a Big Mac I want it. It makes my mouth water. I can't eat it though, because it doesn't even taste like food any more. If I take a bite of a Big Mac it will leave this McFilm in my mouth that I can't even explain."

[Texsox]

I am battling my weight and it is so hard to avoid fast food.