Don Gorske of Wisconsin exceeded expectations by living into his 70s despite a life-threatening habit of eating Big Macs every day for almost 50 years. Gorske achieved septuagenarian status by reducing his Big Mac intake from nine to two per day, omitting fries, and incorporating a daily six-mile walk into his routine. He also extended his Guinness world record for the most Big Macs eaten in a lifetime, surpassing 34,000.
McDonald’s and its famous Big Macs have become an intrinsic part of Gorske’s identity, despite common health concerns about regular fast-food consumption, such as weight gain and heart disease due to the high calorie, sodium, sugar, and fat contents.
How did it begin?
Gorske’s affinity for Big Macs began in 1972, and he diligently documented each one he ate since then, keeping receipts and burger containers as proof. Despite his mother’s first attempts to control his infatuation by enforcing a rule requiring one non-Big Mac meal every day, Gorske’s dedication remained unwavering, prompting his mother to give up in 1981.
Gorske used to eat McDonald’s up to nine times a day, but now eats there twice a week and buys extra Big Macs to microwave at home for later consumption. While he occasionally eats munchies like ice cream, fruit bars, or potato chips, his devotion to Big Macs is unwavering.
Despite being teased by convicts throughout his time as a prison guard, Gorske’s coworkers accepted his habit. His wife, Mary, has been accommodating, accepting his unconventional lifestyle without complaint.
How does Gorske remain fit?
Gorske stays in shape by skipping breakfast, not eating side dishes with his Big Mac, and walking six miles every day. His perseverance earned him the Guinness world record in 1999, which he has maintained ever since, ingesting 728 Big Macs in 2023 alone to reach over 34,000.
Gorske shows no signs of slowing down his Big Mac addiction, announcing his determination to continue eating his favorite cuisine indefinitely.