Super Size Me

Definition

Super Size Me is a documentary film directed by Morgan Spurlock that explores the health effects of a diet consisting solely of McDonald's food for 30 days. This film uses a personal experiment to examine the impact of fast food on health and to critique the fast food industry's influence on public health and consumer behavior.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Morgan Spurlock gained 24.5 pounds during the 30-day period of eating only McDonald's food, highlighting the detrimental effects of fast food on physical health.
2. The documentary includes interviews with health professionals who discuss the links between fast food consumption and various health issues such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
3. Super Size Me sparked widespread public discussions about nutrition, fast food culture, and corporate responsibility in promoting healthy eating habits.
4. Following the release of the film, McDonald's discontinued their 'Super Size' option, indicating a shift in corporate practices in response to public health concerns.
5. The film serves as an example of how documentaries can effectively communicate complex issues about public health and consumer choices to a broad audience.

Review Questions

• How does Super Size Me utilize personal experience to convey its message about the impact of fast food on health?
  • Super Size Me uses Morgan Spurlock's firsthand experience of consuming only McDonald's food for 30 days to illustrate the negative health consequences associated with fast food diets. By documenting his physical and psychological changes throughout the month, Spurlock effectively engages viewers and provides a relatable narrative that emphasizes the dangers of unhealthy eating habits. This personal approach allows audiences to connect emotionally with the message while also making it more impactful.
• In what ways did Super Size Me contribute to discussions about corporate responsibility within the fast food industry?
  • Super Size Me played a significant role in sparking conversations about corporate responsibility by exposing how fast food companies prioritize profit over consumer health. The documentary highlighted marketing strategies aimed at children and the lack of nutritional information available to consumers, urging companies like McDonald's to reevaluate their practices. This resulted in a greater awareness among consumers about their choices and led to demands for more transparency and healthier options from fast food chains.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of Super Size Me as a documentary in promoting social change regarding dietary habits and public health.
  • Super Size Me is highly effective as a documentary in promoting social change because it combines personal storytelling with compelling visual evidence and expert testimony. By illustrating the drastic effects of an unhealthy diet in an engaging manner, it not only raises awareness but also encourages viewers to reconsider their dietary choices. The film's widespread popularity and subsequent influence on fast food policies demonstrate its power as an agent of social change in the realm of public health advocacy.

Related terms

Fast Food Industry: A sector of the food industry that offers quick, convenient meals, often characterized by high-calorie, low-nutrition options.

Obesity Epidemic: A significant increase in the prevalence of obesity in populations, often linked to dietary habits, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors.

Documentary Activism: A form of documentary filmmaking that aims to raise awareness and promote social change through advocacy and activism.