Super Size Me

I saw Super Size Me about five or six years ago.  It got a lot of press back in 2004 when it was released.  I think it is a great documentary that explores the effects of the fast food industry on the American diet and its corporate influence.  The movie was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

For purposes of the documentary, the film maker Morgan Spurlock, went on a strict fast food diet for 30 days.  He ate three meals a day at McDonlad’s and tried every item on their menu at least once.  If he was offered the “super-size” option for his meal he was required to take it.  At the beginning of the experiment he was checked out by physicians and was told he was in good physical shape.  No red flags or health concerns at all.

During the course of the 30 days, you as the viewer see the deterioration of Morgan’s physical and mental well being.   It was almost painful to watch the healthy guy from the beginning of the movie go through the process as you could see how it was negatively affecting him.  The doctors who were monitoring him as well as his vegan girlfriend (go figure) all urged him to stop the experiment.  He did stop at the end of the month.  At that point he had gained almost 25 pounds, had an unhealthy rise in his cholesterol and experienced psychological and sexual side effects.  In the end it took him 14 months to loose the weight that he gained in those 30 days.

I found the film to be insightful and quite eye opening. I cannot say I was ever a great fan of fast food, but after watching this movie anyone would think twice about going through that drive through again.