New York, Nov 20 (THAINDIAN NEWS) Movie patrons who watch movies in the theatre are more liable to pile on the pounds. Generally the regulars treat themselves to a medium popcorn and a soft drink could actually be eating the equivalent of three McDonald’s quarter-pounder burgers topped with a dozen scoops of butter, according to a US study.

A laboratory analysis of snacks sold at US cinemas and commissioned by the Center for Science and Public Interest (CSPI) found that a medium popcorn and soft drink contained 1,160 calories and a whooping three days’ worth, 60 grams of saturated fat.

“Who expects about 1,500 calories and three days’ worth of heart-stopping fat in a popcorn and soda combo? That’s the saturated fat of a stick of butter and the calories of two sticks of butter,” said CSPI senior nutritionist Jayne Hurley in a statement.

“Ultimately, our snack and refreshment options are driven by patron demand,” said Cinemark in a press release. “We frequently test market additional concessions alternatives, including trail mix and other low-fat snacks … nonetheless, our popcorn, fountain soda and candy offerings are by far our patrons’ most popular and expected offerings.”

The National Association of theatre owners released a press statement that said that, “Many of our patrons like and enjoy the traditional taste and aroma of theater popcorn, as they have for decades, [and] the movie theater industry has and will continue to respond to our customers’ preferences.”