Controversy over slimming group's deal with McDonald's

Weight Watchers has come under fire from rival slimming companies over its alliance with McDonald's. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Few would dispute that McDonald's is a great hangover remedy, or a cheap means of filling your stomach. But a good way to lose weight?

Nutritionists and obesity experts turned on Weight Watchers yesterday after it teamed up with the fast-food chain to promote three of its meals.

The slimming organisation's logo will go on McDonald's menu boards and tray mats, while Weight Watchers will extol the virtues of the meals - which include Chicken McNuggets - to its members.

The partnership is a coup for McDonald's, which in recent years has tried to rebrand itself as healthy and nutritious.

But the deal is being likened to taking an alcoholic to a bar.

Amy Smith from rival weight loss company Jenny Craig says just because people stick within their daily allocated points, does not mean they are eating healthily.

"I think we've got to answer the question do we give people what they want to eat or do we give them what the need to eat? We need to get them to understand what balance is.

"With overweight people, it's a bit like when you have an addiction to anything, really, you don't really want to take an alcoholic into a bar. It's that sort of thing. It's very hard once you're there to resist."

Ms Smith says when McDonald's brought in its salads range, sales for other unhealthy options increased and she is concerned the same thing will happen again. She says she certainly would not be going to McDonald's to lose weight.

Weight Watchers Australasia's business director, Chris Stirk, said it was the organisation's philosophy not to ban any food.

"These approved meals are really part of that philosophy ... that you can enjoy life, all that it has to offer, and still achieve your weight loss goals," he said.

Each of the three meals - the other two are Filet-O-Fish and Sweet Chilli Seared Chicken Wrap, served with salad and a diet soft drink - represents 6.5 points in the Weight Watchers system. Dieters are supposed to limit themselves to a maximum of 18 to 40 points a day. Mr Stirk said 6.5 was in line with an average lunch.

The Australian Heart Foundation triggered a similar controversy in 2007 when it approved nine McDonald's meals as healthy options, in exchange for A$330,000. Weight Watchers has also been paid an undisclosed sum.

- INDEPENDENT, NEWSTALK ZB