As Super Size Me unfolds, renowned documentarian Morgan Spurlock](/actor/morgan-spurlock) embarks on a daring experiment, aiming to unveil the health impacts of a month-long diet consisting solely of McDonald's food. At the time of filming in 2003, Spurlock, then 32, was in average physical condition as confirmed by a team of medical professionals, including doctors and a nutritionist. To monitor his health during this unprecedented binge, he recruited three doctors: a cardiologist, a gastroenterologist, and a general practitioner, all of whom cautioned him about the potential health consequences but remained optimistic about the human body's adaptability. Prior to this experiment, Spurlock adhered to a healthy and varied diet, notably enjoying vegan dinners prepared by his girlfriend, Alexandra, a vegan chef.
At the outset of his journey, he stood tall at 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) and weighed 185.5 lb (84.1 kg). Spurlock initiated his routine in Manhattan, a neighborhood filled with numerous McDonald's outlets, deliberately limiting his physical activity to the average American's 5,000 daily steps. His stringent guidelines permitted him to consume three complete meals from McDonald's daily, requiring him to sample every menu item at least once over the 30 days—accomplishing this feat in just nine days. Furthermore, he had to obligingly SuperSize his meals only when prompted by the staff, and strictly avoid any external food sources, including water.
As the experiment progressed, Day 2 marked Spurlock's first SuperSize experience, culminating in a calorie-laden meal comprising a Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese, enormous fries, and a 42 oz Coke, which he struggled to finish within 52 minutes. The resulting discomfort led him to an unfortunate episode of vomiting outside the fast-food establishment.
By the end of the first week, Spurlock found himself nearly 10 pounds heavier, tipping the scales at about 195 pounds. He soon began to experience signs of depression, lethargy, and persistent headaches—symptoms he found temporarily alleviated by consuming McDonald's meals. One concerned doctor alarmingly labeled him as "addicted." Rapid weight gain followed, ultimately leading Spurlock to reach a staggering 210 pounds (95.5 kg) by the end of the month—a total increase of 24.5 pounds (about 11 kg). Notably, he intentionally refrained from taking any medication throughout his month-long odyssey.
Alexandra Jamieson, Spurlock's girlfriend, observed a considerable decline in his overall energy and libido during this experiment, raising doubts about whether he could withstand the full month of such a restrictive, high-fat, and high-carb diet. By Day 21, Spurlock experienced concerning heart palpitations, prompting a visit to his internist, Dr. Daryl Isaacs, who urgently recommended he cease the experiment to avoid serious health complications. Dr. Isaacs ominously drew parallels between Spurlock’s plight and characters in tragic narratives, warning that he might be on a reckless path resembling that of Nicolas Cage's character in Leaving Las Vegas.
Despite the warnings, Spurlock persisted until the 30th day, achieving his goal while indulging in the SuperSize option nine times—five in Texas and three in New York City. The extent of his health deterioration shocked the doctors involved; one expressed concerns about irreversible heart damage, indicating the risk of a heart attack remained even if Spurlock lost all the weight gained during this risky venture. He actually consumed as many McDonald's meals over the month as a typical individual would over eight years, devouring a total of 90 meals during this period.
As the film concludes, it reveals that it took Spurlock around five months to shed 20 pounds (9 kg) and an additional 9.5 months to lose the remaining 4.5 pounds. His recovery supervision was graciously provided by Alexandra Jamieson, who proposed her detox diet as a sustainability measure, later serving as the cornerstone for her book, The Great American Detox Diet.
The film provocatively concludes with the assertion, "The bottom line, they're a business, no matter what they say, and by selling you unhealthy food, they make millions, and no company wants to stop doing that." It raises a haunting question, "Who do you want to see go first, you or them?" accompanied by a satirical cartoon tombstone for Ronald McDonald, humorously dated "1954-2012," underscoring the ethical debate surrounding the marketing practices aimed at children. An epilogue in the DVD release notes McDonald's discontinuation of the Super Size option shortly after the film's release, alongside its shift toward healthier menu items. However, it cautions that even salads can be calorie-laden if manipulated with excessive dressing and cheese. The narrative also highlights Spurlock's reflections on the troubling marketing strategies used by McDonald's targeting vulnerable children— a point he jokingly underscores by suggesting he would counter the socialization of his eventual offspring with extreme measures, including physical intimidation whenever they encounter the golden arches.
