Scott Stebbings

Nutrition 1020-507

20 July 2023

Chad Harbaugh

Super Size Me is a unique documentary film by Morgan Spurlock. It delves into

the impact of fast-food consumption on human health. Released in 2004, the film

gained widespread attention due to its unique approach and compelling narrative.

Spurlock begins a 30-day experiment where he exclusively eats McDonald's meals three

times a day. During this period, Spurlock must consume every item on the menu at least

once and always accept the option to "super-size" his meal if offered. He undergoes a

series of medical evaluations before, during, and after the experiment to measure the

impact on his physical and mental health. He was of above average health and fitness

when he started the project.

Throughout the experiment, Spurlock experiences a rapid decline in his

well-being. He gains 25 pounds, suffers from mood swings, experiences decreased

energy levels, and faces numerous health issues, including liver dysfunction and

depression by the end of the experiment. These results alarmingly demonstrate the

detrimental effects of a fast-food diet on the human body. It took him fourteen months

to return to his normal weight. Super-Size Me also explores the marketing strategies

employed by the fast-food industry to target children and the socioeconomic factors that

contribute to the prevalence of fast food in low-income communities. The marketing

strategies employed by the fast-food industry to target children in low-income

communities have a significant impact on public health and socioeconomic disparities.

of obesity and related health problems that we see today.

I find it interesting that someone like Spurlock who had above average health was

willing to subject himself to the potential risks associated with a fast-food diet. This

unique experiment allows the audience to witness the physical and psychological toll of

fast-food consumption firsthand, creating a sense of urgency to address the underlying

issues without risking their own health and body. It is important for people to see the

effects directly from fast food and Spurlock lived experience to properly understand how

bad fast food is for you. Fast food commercials are everywhere, so it can be hard to avoid

seeing or avoiding those temptations and the convenience of them. Growing up, I always

had a disdain for McDonald's; I never liked their food. It would always make me sick,

and this documentary confirmed those biases I had. While very few people's entire diets

would consist of fast food, it is incredible to see the radical changes to Spurlock's body

over time and just how terrible it made him feel during the experiment.

Although not a trained nutritionist or medical professional, Spurlock's

commitment to the experiment sheds light to the truth behind the fast-food industry as

well as a good glimpse into fast-food playing a huge role in the majority of US people’s

nutrition. He extensively researches the fast-food industry, consults with health experts,

nutritionists, and medical professionals to gather relevant information for the

experiment, all of which add to the credibility of the documentary. His commitment and

willingness to engage in self-experimentation demonstrates his dedication to the subject

matter and allows the audience to see real results of a person who subjects themselves to

an unhealthy diet. While his approach may not conform to traditional scientific
methodologies, his efforts to examine the impact of fast food on human health have

sparked vital conversations and inspired further research in the field.

Filmed in 2003 and released in 2004, Super Size Me remains highly relevant to

the obesity problems prevalent today. The documentary provides a stark reminder of the

detrimental effects of fast-food consumption and the need for a comprehensive

approach to tackle obesity. Despite increased awareness and subsequent changes in the

fast-food industry, the rates of obesity and related health issues continue to rise globally,

reaching epidemic proportions(Champion 2023). Factors such as sedentary lifestyles,

poor dietary habits, easy access to unhealthy food options, and the marketing of

calorie-dense foods, all contribute to the rise in obesity rates. This epidemic affects

people of all ages, from children to adults, but has a disproportionate impact on

low-income communities because the fast-food industry markets themselves as cheap

and affordable food.

To this day, obesity and related health issues have become a significant concern

due to their impact on individuals, communities, and public health systems. There are a

large number of health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease,

certain cancers, respiratory issues, and musculoskeletal disorders, these conditions not

only diminish the quality of life but also increase healthcare costs and the burden on

healthcare systems. The burden places a strain on economies due to increased

healthcare expenses, reduced productivity, and lost workdays. The emotional and

psychological toll of obesity can lead to low self-esteem, depression, and social stigma.

These factors contribute to a negative cycle of obesity, making it more challenging for

people to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. The documentary reinforces the
importance of education, awareness, and personal responsibility in combating the

obesity epidemic.

Super Size Me emphasizes the impact of portion size and recommended caloric

intake on health. The documentary demonstrates how fast-food chains often offer

super-sized meals that contain excessive amounts of calories, far beyond what an

average person needs in a single sitting. Consuming these oversized portions regularly

can lead to weight gain, increased body fat, and a higher risk of developing chronic

diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular problems. By highlighting the

effects of consuming super-sized fast food meals, the film raises awareness about the

importance of portion control and mindful eating to maintain a healthy caloric balance.

Society does a very poor job of tracking calories and understanding the labels on the

products they are consuming. These factors are what contributes to the obesity crisis,

especially in children who are given way too much food and set them down the wrong

path from a very early age.

` The documentary also shows the significance of a balanced diet and variety in

food choices. Throughout the experiment, Morgan Spurlock consumes only McDonald's

food, which lacks the necessary nutritional diversity found in a well-rounded diet. The

repetitive nature of his fast-food diet results in nutrient deficiencies and imbalances,

affecting his overall health and well-being. The film illustrates how a monotonous diet

lacking fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other essential nutrients can lead to various

health issues, including poor digestion, weakened immune function, and a higher

susceptibility to diseases. It serves as a reminder of the importance of incorporating a

wide range of foods from different food groups to ensure adequate nutrient intake and

optimal health. While this film was made in 2003, Mcdonald's menu has changed over
time and they have more reasonable options on face value. Taking a look at their salads

that they offer, they have several salads over 600 calories that is more than Big Mac

which is 590 calories(Mcdonald’s 2023). While the variety is slightly better today, they

are more often than not traps that contain just as much fat and unnecessary calories.

Super Size Me briefly touches upon the significance of the five key nutrients:

carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Fast food meals are often high in

refined carbohydrates, unhealthy fats, and low in essential vitamins and minerals. This

unbalanced nutrient profile can lead to weight gain, increased risk of nutrient

deficiencies, and an increased likelihood of developing chronic diseases. The

documentary serves as a reminder of the importance of a well-rounded diet that

includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods to meet the body's requirements for optimal

functioning and health.

In conclusion, Super Size Me will be the reminder of how unhealthy fast-food is

and its predatory nature to get people to get more and more of what they don’t need in a

single meal or even the entire day in some cases. This problem extends to many

different restaurants; this issue is not a McDonald’s exclusive problem. To address these

problems directly, there needs to be a bigger push from the government to disincentivize

this industry. A tax on establishments that have enough percentage of food that far

exceeds what we would consider to be okay for general consumption. For now, the only

thing we can do is on our own personal responsibility, so I will be cautious of what I eat

and do my best to cut down on fast food in general. I can make and find places that

produce fresh food with quality ingredients that have the vitamins and minerals that I

am looking for to maintain a healthy body for the present and the future.
 Works Cited

“Price: The 4 PS of Marketing - Selling Junk Food to Communities of Color.” Berkeley Media

Studies Group, 25 July 2019,

www.bmsg.org/resources/publications/price-the-4-ps-of-marketing-selling-junk-food-to-commun

ities-of-color/.

“McDonald’s Nutrition Calculator: Calories and More | McDonald’s.” Nutrition Calculator,

www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/about-our-food/nutrition-calculator.html. Accessed 20 July 2023.

Champion, Chayil. “Worldwide Obesity on the Rise.” UCLA Health System, 20 Mar. 2023,

www.uclahealth.org/news/worldwide-obesity-rise#:~:text=In%20March%20of%202023%2C%2

0the,world’s%20population%20%E2%80%93%20will%20be%20obese.