Super Size Me

Morgan Spurlock’s movie, Super Size Me, examines the fast food industries attempt to educate the viewer about the effects that fast food can have on your health and life.

Super Size Me was about a man named Morgan who decided to go on a McDonald’s splurge and eat McDonald’s for thirty days to show the side effects of the contents of their food. Morgan had stated that obesity is second most harmful self-imposed death in the world. He had his food super sized only if asked, which was most of the time. He originally weighed 185lbs and gained almost thirty pounds. The side effects from the consumption of this kind of food caused his to become sick, had liver problems, was tired and everyday tasks became more challenging.

In Morgan Spurlock’s movie he showed four young children pictures of well-known historical figures. Only two of these children were able to identify the historical figures. When Morgan presented the pictures of fast food characters, such as Wendy with her red braided pigtails from Wendy’s, each child had successfully identified Wendy and some of the other fast food chain characters that were presented to the children. This showed the power of advertising is on today’s society. McDonald’s and other fast food chains include happy characters that appeal to young children. These characters are recognized all over the world, you see them so many times on T.V it is hard not to miss the catchy tones and smiling characters.

            We, as Americans, have grown up learning about nutrition and it’s impact on our health. We have the responsibility to educate and promote healthy life styles, which may include an examination of the fast food products that are being sold today. Although Morgan understands the typical family doesn’t eat at a fast food restaurant for thirty days in a row, he attempted to show the impact of frequent visits to these fast food restaurants.

            As the former governor of Arkansas once said, “Anything that comes through your car window is food you shouldn’t be eating.” As a gymnast I try to maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet. However, in the future on the occasional stop to any fast food restaurant I will be mindful of the foods I select. Perhaps the next time I order a yogurt parfait at McDonald’s I will be sure to examine its contents.