“Super-Size Me” Gluttonous People

A filmmaker named Morgan Spurlock is on a mission to eat at McDonald’s for breakfast, lunch, and supper for thirty days. There are no exceptions to this rule, not even vitamin tablets. He must eat all items on the menu once; and every time he is asked if he wants it “super sized,” he must say yes (although he doesn’t ask for it.) He also limits exercise to only walking. Of course, he gains weight. Our government has over-educated us in regard to health issues, yet Americans are consistently making poor food choices. He commits to this month-long binge as an experiment for a documentary film about obesity in America. Also, I do mean “binge” as he tosses his McCookies in the film.

The overall message of the movie is that McDonald’s is not the blame for our nation’s obesity issues, but fast food companies do advertise heavily on our complacent population. “Super Size Me” brings this advertising to the attention of the viewer. It supports personal responsibility to maintain one’s health, and it reveals that fast food companies do not serve our best interests. Their best interest is to make money.

Spurlock gains approximately thirty pounds. His health rapidly declines at his weekly physical exams revealing alarming results of his McDiet. He travels the country visiting food corporation big-dogs, dietary specialists, schools, regular people, and as many McDonald’s restaurants as possible, and the documentary is humorous. He also finds that many schools serve much more boxed lunches than fresh foods due to convenience, not cost.

There is nudity and offensive language in the film, as it is in many films nowadays. And there is irreverence to Christians and intentional mocking of Jesus Christ through some of the imagery.
What is the attitude we should have for our good health? Most people have learned by 2nd grade about the food groups and what is healthy and what is not. And can you eat anything you like, as long as it is in moderation? When you chose not to eat properly, your arteries clog and fat easily stores in your body. This can result in a heart attach, stroke, or even death. God gave humanity plants and animals to eat (Genesis 1:29; 9:3); however these gifts of food and drink should be used wisely, and not abused through excess. The Bible warns against gluttony. God expects us to care for our bodies.

On the film’s extras on the DVD, it is stated that it is predicted that obesity will replace smoking as the #1 preventable cause of death in America. Americans are leaving this earth before their time, and this film communicates this well. The film shows the effects of poor eating habits and ultimately it is the consumer’s responsibility to eat healthier. It also reveals that eating foods that cannot be digested are sold in McDonald’s can actually have the same effects on the liver and other organs as heavy alcohol consumption does. This movie shows startling evidence that fast food has an addictive quality because most of it is loaded with sugar! All fast food patrons should view this movie, but children might have a hard time understanding it. There is a scene of pretty graphic surgery so parents might want to watch first then show it to the kids with the fast forward on hand, but older kids would surely benefit.

What can Americans do to prevent obesity? I suppose, more education is necessary. We are a rich nation and lucky to have so many choices in foods and drinks. It seems such an ironic revelation when I try to eat right, and I find that the “good for you” foods taste much better. I guess it is all about our habits and what we value most in our life. I would rate this movie with 3 stars.

Work Cited

The Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible, New International Version. Chattanooga. AMG Publishers,1984.