Who was the guy that only ate McDonald's?
The guy who famously ate only at McDonald's was documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock. His 2004 film, Super Size Me, chronicled a 30-day experiment during which he consumed nothing but items from the McDonald's menu. Spurlock undertook this stunt to explore the impact of fast food on health and to investigate the role the industry plays in the growing obesity epidemic. At the time, two teenage girls had sued McDonald's, claiming the company's food had made them obese, and Spurlock wanted to personally test the fast food giant's claims that their food was nutritious. The film's rules were simple: he had to eat three full meals a day from McDonald's, he had to try every menu item at least once, and he could only consume items offered on the menu, including water. A crucial rule stipulated that if a cashier asked him if he wanted to 'super size' his meal, he could not refuse.
The alarming health consequences
Spurlock began the experiment in good health, a fact verified by a team of three doctors who monitored his condition throughout the month. However, his health began to deteriorate rapidly. Within days, he started experiencing severe headaches and mood swings. By the end of the 30-day challenge, the health impacts were shocking and severe:
- Weight Gain: He gained a total of 24.5 pounds (11.1 kg), representing a 13% increase in his body mass.
- Liver Damage: The most alarming finding was the severe damage to his liver, which his doctors compared to that of a severe alcoholic, a detail that would later become a source of controversy.
- Cholesterol Spike: His cholesterol levels skyrocketed to 230 mg/dL, significantly increasing his risk of heart disease.
- Loss of Libido: Spurlock and his then-girlfriend reported a drastic loss of his sex drive and general lethargy.
- Addictive Behavior: He experienced intense cravings for McDonald's food and reported feeling symptoms of withdrawal when he wasn't eating it.
These results, broadcast to the world, sent a powerful message about the dangers of a high-calorie, nutrient-poor diet. The film was nominated for an Oscar and became a cultural phenomenon, influencing countless viewers and inspiring schools to incorporate it into their health curricula.
The fallout and legacy of Super Size Me
In the wake of the documentary's success, public discourse around fast food and public health reached a new peak. The film was widely credited with pressuring McDonald's to make changes. Just six weeks after the movie's release, the company announced it would discontinue its 'Super Size' option. McDonald's also began to emphasize healthier menu options, though it denied that the film was the reason for these changes. Spurlock became an outspoken advocate for healthier eating, cementing his status as a prominent public figure.
Comparison of Spurlock's diet to recommended guidelines
| Health Metric | Morgan Spurlock (30-Day Diet) | Recommended Guidelines (Adult Male) |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Caloric Intake | ~5,000 kcal | ~2,500 kcal |
| Weight Gain | +24.5 lbs (11.1 kg) | Goal: Stable weight |
| Cholesterol Level | Spiked to 230 mg/dL | Below 200 mg/dL |
| Nutrient Quality | High fat, high sugar, low fiber | Balanced, high fiber, lower in saturated fats |
| Exercise Level | Restricted to average American levels | Regular physical activity is advised |
The scandal and later years
More than a decade after the film's release, Morgan Spurlock's legacy was complicated by personal scandals. In 2017, amid the burgeoning #MeToo movement, Spurlock published a blog post admitting to a history of sexual misconduct and infidelity. He revealed that he had been accused of rape in college and had settled a sexual harassment claim with a former assistant. His admissions led to him stepping down from his production company and tarnished his public image.
Critically, Spurlock also admitted to having been a long-term alcoholic, a fact he had hidden from the doctors—and the audience—during the filming of Super Size Me. Critics have since argued that his undisclosed alcohol use could have significantly skewed the results of his experiment, particularly the dramatic liver damage, and that the film lacked scientific rigor. This admission cast doubt on the integrity of the original documentary, though its impact on the fast food industry and public consciousness is undeniable.
The final chapter
Following the scandals, Spurlock's public profile diminished. He continued to work on other projects, but never regained the prominence he held after Super Size Me. In May 2024, at the age of 53, Morgan Spurlock died from complications related to cancer. His family released a statement confirming his passing and celebrating his creativity. His brother, Craig Spurlock, who worked with him on several projects, noted, "Morgan gave so much through his art, ideas, and generosity. The world has lost a true creative genius and a special man". Despite the controversies that later surrounded him, Spurlock left an indelible mark on documentary filmmaking and the national conversation about diet and health. His story serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between a public figure, their art, and their private life.
You can read more about Morgan Spurlock's documentary work on his Wikipedia page.
Conclusion
What happened to the guy that only ate McDonald's is a story with multiple layers. Morgan Spurlock's month-long diet revealed the severe and rapid health consequences of excessive fast food consumption. However, his story is also one of personal failings and concealed truths that later called the experiment's premise into question. While the filmmaker's reputation was ultimately tainted, his initial mission succeeded in generating a crucial public dialogue that forever changed how many people view fast food and corporate responsibility.
