Did Morgan Spurlock’s “Super Size Me” Predict America’s Obesity Crisis? Reflecting on His Life and Death
Morgan Spurlock, the documentary filmmaker best known for his groundbreaking film “Super Size Me,” passed away on May 23, 2024, at the age of 53, due to complications from cancer.
The Impact of “Super Size Me” by Morgan Spurlock
His “Super Size Me” had a great impact on both the fast-food industry and public health awareness. The 2004 documentary highlighted the dangers of consuming fast food excessively by showcasing Spurlock’s own 30-day experiment of eating only McDonald’s food.
This daring endeavor brought to light the severe health consequences associated with such a diet, including a weight gain of nearly 25 pounds, elevated cholesterol levels, mood swings, and depression.
He framed his journey with a simple but powerful question, “What would happen if I ate nothing but McDonald’s for 30 days straight? Would I suddenly be on the fast track to becoming an obese American? Would it be unreasonably dangerous? Let’s find out. I’m ready. Super size me!”
This inquiry set the stage for a documentary that would resonate with audiences worldwide and spark a significant shift in how people view fast food.
The documentary’s release coincided with a pivotal moment in the fast-food industry.
Just two months before “Super Size Me” hit theaters, McDonald’s announced it was phasing out its “super size” options and introduced the “Go Active!” Happy Meal, which included a salad, bottled water, a pedometer, and advice on walking more.
Although McDonald’s claimed these changes were in response to calls from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to combat obesity, the timing suggested a direct response to the impending release of Spurlock’s film.
“Super Size Me” grossed over $22 million worldwide, earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature, and became a cultural phenomenon. It exposed the public to the dangers of fast food and prompted discussions about nutrition and corporate responsibility.
Schools began using the documentary as an educational tool, and the fast-food industry faced increased scrutiny over its marketing practices and menu options.
In one memorable scene, Spurlock demonstrated the ubiquity of fast-food culture by showing children a photo of George Washington, which none of them recognized, while they all instantly identified the mascots for Wendy’s and McDonald’s. This powerful moment underscored the extent to which fast food had infiltrated American life and consciousness.
Tragically, Morgan Spurlock passed away at the age of 53 due to complications from cancer.
His death marked the end of a remarkable career that included nearly 70 documentary films and television series, many of which tackled controversial and topical issues.
His brother, Craig Spurlock, expressed his sorrow in a statement: “It was a sad day, as we said goodbye to my brother Morgan. Morgan gave so much through his art, ideas, and generosity. The world has lost a true creative genius and a special man. I am so proud to have worked together with him.“
Spurlock’s legacy is complicated by his admission of past misconduct during the #MeToo era, which led to his resignation from his production company, Warrior Poets, in 2017.