A Documentary That Changed The Conversation

Super Size Me: The Long-Lasting Impact on American Fast Food Culture

A Documentary that Changed the Conversation

In the early 2000s, few documentaries had a chokehold on American pop culture like Super Size Me, a movie one can argue quite literally changed the way we think about fast food. The 2004 "schlock-umentary" starring Morgan Spurlock launched fast-food and nutrition to the front of the public's mind.

Super Size Me follows Spurlock as he embarks on a 30-day experiment to eat only McDonald's food and supersize his meals every time he can. The results are shocking and sobering, as Spurlock gains weight, develops health problems, and experiences mood swings.

Around that time, McDonald's was running its Supersize menu promotion where customers could upgrade their fries and drinks to a large size for free. The documentary sparked a national conversation about the dangers of fast food and its marketing practices.

Legacy and Impact

Super Size Me had a profound impact on the American fast food industry. In the wake of the documentary, McDonald's discontinued its Supersize menu and made some minor changes to its ingredients. Other fast food chains followed suit, and there has been a gradual shift towards healthier options in the industry.

However, the documentary's legacy extends beyond its immediate impact on the fast food industry. Super Size Me has raised awareness about the importance of nutrition and health, and it has inspired countless people to make healthier choices.

A Lasting Impression

The impact of Super Size Me can be felt to this day. The documentary has become a cultural touchstone, and it continues to be used as a teaching tool in schools and universities.

In the years since the film's release, there have been numerous attempts to replicate Spurlock's experiment. In one such study, a group of Swedish researchers found that eating a fast-food diet for just two weeks led to negative changes in health markers, including increased cholesterol levels and inflammation.

Super Size Me was a wake-up call for America and the world. The documentary's lasting impact is a testament to the power of film to raise awareness, spark conversation, and change the course of history.