Super Size Me has been a staple in health classes for decades; a documentary often shown to students in the American curriculum, primarily in secondary schools.
Instructors warn pupils against excessive consumption of fatty carbohydrates and triglycerides, instilling a lasting message.
Director Morgan Spurlock embarks on a health journey to see if he’ll gain a lot of unhealthy weight by only eating McDonald’s. However, it’s worth noting that Spurlock never shared public records of his diet. This omission is significant because Spurlock also drinks alcohol, which contributes to yeast production and raises estrogen levels in the endocrine system, leading to visceral fat. You could say he’s a hypocrite for doing this in his supposed “scientific experiment.”
He claimed to have a ‘food diary,’ yet little contents are known. He changed his diet for 30-days, and tried to make himself seem like the “Average Joe.” Spurlock had access to specialized professionals, like a fitness trainer, a practitioner, a gastroenterologist, and a cardiologist. He had also consulted with a nutritionist as well, discussing his experiment during the shooting. Additionally, Spurlock limited his walking to the typical American.
Super Size Me lacks unit conversions, leaving viewers puzzled about meal proportions.
How large was the ‘Super Size’ drink compared to a standard ‘Large,’ in fluid ounces? Are there significant differences between the Super Sized fries and the drink? How often did staff ask if customers wanted to “Super Size their meal?” What were the associated costs for upgrading to Super Size? With McDonald’s menu changing from 2004 to 2025, why is this critical information missing? Given inflation and food shrinkage, younger generations may not understand what ‘Super Size’ means.
The results of Spurlock’s 30-day experiment led to him gaining 24 pounds, an adverse spike in (bad) LDL cholesterol, and a 15% increase in body fat. He claimed this was solely based on fast food, but others would argue that his chronic alcohol consumption contributed too.
After the filming of Super Size Me concluded, McDonald’s got rid of the ‘Super Size’ portion. McDonald’s did this due to Spurlock’s criticisms, to introduce new options, and simplify their menu.
Super Size Me was met with significant criticism from the fast food industry, particularly McDonald’s, which was prominently featured. The company argued that the film was an unfair portrayal and emphasized that it did not reflect the eating habits of the average customer. In response, McDonald’s and other fast food chains made efforts to introduce healthier menu options and improve nutritional transparency.
On the contrary, a documentary called Fat Head, critiques Super Size Me, where comedian Tom Naughton refutes Morgan Spurlock’s claim. Instead, Naughton attempts to lose weight by only eating fast food, the exact opposite premise of Super Size Me.
Naughton conducts his own 30-day experiment, and he loses 12 pounds and lowers his overall cholesterol, but retains his (good) HDL cholesterol. Instead of walking 3-nights, he doubles it to 6-nights to burn calories. On average, Naughton consumed 100g of fat each day, about half (50g) is saturated.
Super Size Me focuses on the negative health impacts of eating fast food, emphasizing the dangers of a high-calorie, high-fat diet. Fat Head argues that the key to maintaining health is personal responsibility and making smarter choices, even when eating fast food. Tom Naughton demonstrates that it’s possible to lose weight by choosing low-carb and high-protein options available at fast food restaurants. Fat Head also suggests that the portrayal of fast food as the sole culprit of obesity is misleading. Therefore, individuals should take accountability for their dietary habits.
Spurlock’s approach in Super Size Me involved immersing himself in a high-carb diet and documenting the physical and mental effects of such a lifestyle. In contrast, Naughton’s Fat Head is humorous and skeptical, touched with self-deprecating satire.
Both directors effectively utilize ethos, logos, and pathos throughout their documentaries to persuade audiences of their respective viewpoints regarding fast food consumption.
In the end, it’s perfectly fine to indulge in fast food occasionally, but it’s crucial to do so in moderation.
And that’s exactly what the doctor ordered.
