Super Size Me

Morgan Spurlock begins his month-long experiment to understand the health impacts of a diet consisting solely of McDonald's food. As a healthy individual, he is monitored by a team of medical professionals who express concern about his decision but remain hopeful about human adaptability.

Before starting his diet, Spurlock undergoes a thorough health assessment to establish a baseline. This assessment shows him to be in average physical condition at the age of 32, with a height of 6 feet 2 inches and a weight of 185.5 pounds.

Spurlock officially starts his diet, limiting physical activity to align with the average American lifestyle. His guidelines require him to consume three full meals from McDonald's each day while preventing any external food consumption.

On Day 2, Spurlock experiences his first Super Size meal, which overwhelms him with its size and calorie content. He struggles to finish a Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese, fries, and a large soda, leading to an episode of vomiting outside the restaurant.

By the end of the first week, Spurlock has gained approximately 10 pounds, bringing his weight up to about 195 pounds. He begins to experience various troubling symptoms such as depression and lethargy, which he finds temporarily relieved by his McDonald's meals.

Spurlock's weight continues to rise dramatically, ultimately reaching 210 pounds by the end of the month. Throughout this ordeal, he does not take any medications, showcasing the extent of his dietary trial.

As Spurlock's health deteriorates, his girlfriend Alexandra expresses her worries about his declining energy levels. Day 21 marks a turning point when he experiences alarming heart palpitations, leading him to consult with his internist.

Spurlock visits Dr. Daryl Isaacs, who advises him to end the experiment immediately due to the serious health risks he faces. The doctor compares Spurlock's situation to tragic characters in film, prompting concerns about his potential for long-term heart damage.

Despite warnings from his medical team, Spurlock pushes through to complete the full 30 days of his experimentation. He indulges in the Super Size option a total of nine times during the month, illustrating his dedication to the project.

As the month comes to an end, Spurlock's health issues culminate in shocking results that alarm his doctors. One doctor indicates the very real risk of irreversible damage, underscoring the seriousness of his dietary experiment.

Following the completion of the experiment, it takes Spurlock around five months to shed 20 pounds, reflecting on the long-term effects of his dietary choices. He eventually loses an additional 4.5 pounds after a sustained weight loss effort monitored by Alexandra.

Alexandra Jamieson, his girlfriend and a vegan chef, devises a detox diet for Spurlock that becomes the foundation of her book, *The Great American Detox Diet*. Her support is crucial for Spurlock's recovery and return to a healthier lifestyle.

The film ends with provocative statements about the junk food industry's profit motives in selling unhealthy food. It challenges viewers to reflect on the marketing tactics used by companies, particularly how they target vulnerable demographics such as children.

In response to the film's release, McDonald's discontinues its Super Size option and starts emphasizing healthier menu items. Despite this effort, caution is advised as even seemingly healthy options can contain excessive calories.

Spurlock reflects on the disturbing marketing strategies employed by McDonald's, particularly targeting children. He humorously suggests that he would adopt extreme measures to protect his future children from these tactics.