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Review: Super Size Me

How often do you eat at a fast food restaurant? How often do you think you should eat at a fast food restaurant? Do you need help breaking that habit? Morgan Spurlock’s DVD, Super Size Me will definitely motivate you to rethink your next fast food meal.

In 2002, two teenagers, Ashley Pelman, 14, 170 pounds, 4 feet, 10 inches and Jazlyn Bradley, 19, 270 pounds, 5 feet 6 inches, sued McDonald’s, accusing McDonald’s of being liable for the teens’ obesity. The case was dismissed because the teens' attorneys failed to show that a McDonald's-only diet could cause serious health problems.

This event became a challenge to filmmaker Morgan Spurlock. Morgan, healthy and in shape with 11% body fat, thanks in no small way to his vegan chef girlfriend, wondered what a McDonald’s-only diet would do to someone in 30 days?

Most of us agree that typical fast food is high in calories, high in saturated fats, and has a high glycemic value. Yet so many people eat it, each and every day. Could it really be as bad for you as we think?

In Super Size Me , an entertainingly, serious documentary, Morgan Spurlock puts it to the test. To keep his experiment valid, he enlists the help of several doctors and a dietitian. They monitor his health as he begins his McDonald’s binge.

His rules were simple. He would only eat food off the McDonald’s public menu. This included salads, and water, as well as Big Macs, and French fries, but he must eat everything at least once. If it was not on the menu, he could not eat it. He had to eat three square meals a day. He could only “super size” his meals if it was verbally offered.

Thus, his trek began. Following him through his next 30 days, you will see what the effects are on his weight, body fat, mood, and even his sex drive. You will watch his doctors warn him and try to get him to quit. You will see the effect this diet has on his blood, cholesterol, and his liver. Things get a little scary, but sometimes that is what we need to see.

Interwoven with his diet are interviews with the grocery industry, an interview with Robbins of Baskin-Robbins, and tons of startling fast food facts and statistics. He spends some time in Naperville, IL schools, where the children’s meals are catered by an outside service and include mostly fast foods and quick prep items. He exposes the soft drink industry and their alleged contributions to our educational system. You even get to see what French fries look like after many, many months.

There is a lot to learn from Super Size Me. Morgan opens some curious issues. Did you know that you have been trained from childhood to seek out McDonald’s? He interviews children who cannot identify pictures of famous presidents, but can recognize Ronald McDonald. He interviews adults that cannot correctly remember the Pledge of Allegiance, but can quickly sing the “Two all beef patties, special sauce…” ditty. Food for thought?

Every adult should see Super Size Me. Every parent should own this documentary. Every school library should include this documentary. Remember that the fast food industry is exactly that, an industry. They are in business to make a profit for their shareholders. Educate yourself.

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