Synopsis

Filmmaker Morgan Spurlock turns himself into the subject of a month-long experiment, eating only McDonald's meals three times a day and accepting a Super Size option whenever it is offered. As doctors monitor his physical and emotional condition, Spurlock also examines the fast-food industry's influence on American eating habits, schools, advertising, and public health.

Factoids & Trivia

• Spurlock conceived the idea after seeing reports about two teenagers who sued McDonald's, claiming the restaurant chain had contributed to their obesity.

• The experiment ran for 30 days in 2003. One of its rules required Spurlock to try every item on the McDonald's menu at least once.

• The production reportedly shot about 250 hours of footage, with less than one percent used in the theatrical version.

• Spurlock gained roughly 25 pounds during the experiment and later took about 13 months to lose it.

• The documentary premiered at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival, where it brought Spurlock major attention and a directing award.

• McDonald's announced in March 2004 that it would phase out its Super Size portions. The company said the decision was unrelated to the documentary.

• Made on a reported budget of about $65,000, the film became a significant independent hit and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature.

• The film was followed by Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken!, which examined the fast-food business from behind the counter as Spurlock attempted to create his own chicken restaurant.