The ‘Unhealthiest’ Fast Food Order Doctors Want You To Stop Ordering

Health risks of double quarter pounder

Although they may be tasty, there are a lot of reasons you may want to skip the double quarter pounder with cheese next time you pull up to the golden arches. For starters, processed red meat can take a significant toll on your body over time, resulting in health issues like weight gain and even an increased risk of heart disease. And that's before you consider all of the toppings.

"[Double cheeseburgers] contain double the amount of cheese and beef as a standard cheeseburger, meaning they are higher in fat and calories," Dr. Armenta warns. "Additionally, many fast food restaurants will often top double cheeseburgers with bacon, mayonnaise, and other unhealthy condiments, further adding to its unhealthy content."

When you look at the McDonald's Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese as an example, the results are troubling. Dr. Armenta points out that this menu item contains a whopping 740 calories and 42 grams of fat.

"This is significantly higher than the McDonald’s Hamburger, which only contains 250 calories and 9 grams of fat," he notes. If you're really craving a burger, it's a good idea to at least stick to this smaller version.

What to order instead

So, what should you order when you eat at a fast food restaurant? Luckily, there are typically a few choices that won't put your health at as high of a risk as a double cheeseburger. Whenever possible, choose lean protein and veggies.

"If you're looking for a healthier alternative, I suggest opting for something like a grilled chicken wrap or salad," Dr. Armenta says. "These options usually contain fewer calories and fat but still provide plenty of protein to keep you full. You can also customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or other toppings such as avocado to make it even healthier." Perfect!

READ MORE: Burger King Is Launching A Burger With 20 Slices Of Cheese–Customers Are Calling It A ‘Stomachache Waiting To Happen’