The Core Stipulations of Spurlock's Experiment
In his 2004 documentary Super Size Me, Morgan Spurlock subjected his body to a month-long, all-McDonald's diet to highlight the potential health dangers of fast food. His experiment wasn't a free-for-all; it was governed by four primary rules that dictated his consumption. These guidelines were designed to mimic, in an exaggerated way, the eating habits of a fast-food-reliant American. The four main dietary rules were simple yet strict:
- Eat three McDonald's meals per day: Spurlock was required to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner, ensuring a consistent intake of fast food.
- Consume every item on the menu: Over the course of the 30 days, Spurlock had to eat and drink every item offered on the McDonald's menu at least once.
- Only eat and drink McDonald's products: This rule meant no outside food or beverages were permitted. Even bottled water had to be purchased from McDonald's.
- "Super Size" only when offered: Spurlock would only agree to super size his meal if the cashier explicitly asked him if he would like to.
The Fifth Rule: A Sedentary Lifestyle
Beyond the food itself, Spurlock added a crucial fifth rule to complete his imitation of an average American's lifestyle: he would limit his exercise. He initially aimed to walk around 5,000 steps per day, based on statistics for the typical United States citizen at the time. However, as the film notes, his walking habits varied depending on his location, with more walking in New York City than in Houston. This rule was integral to demonstrating the effects of a high-calorie diet combined with a sedentary lifestyle, which is common among many who frequently consume fast food.
The Scientific Support System
Before beginning his experiment, Spurlock was declared to be in excellent health by a team of three doctors: a general practitioner, a cardiologist, and a gastroenterologist. Throughout the 30 days, he was monitored closely by this medical team, as well as a nutritionist and personal trainer. This ensured that the drastic changes to his diet and body could be tracked and quantified. This medical supervision was critical, as his health began to deteriorate rapidly, prompting his doctors to express serious concern about continuing the experiment.
Spurlock's Rules vs. A Calorie-Controlled McDonald's Diet
The controversy surrounding Super Size Me often hinges on the distinction between simply eating McDonald's and the specific rules Spurlock chose. While his high-calorie, high-fat, and sugar-heavy approach led to alarming results, others have since demonstrated that it is possible to eat at McDonald's and still lose weight by carefully controlling calories. The table below highlights the key differences.
| Feature | Morgan Spurlock's Experiment | Calorie-Controlled McDonald's Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Portion Sizes | Often intentionally oversized (Supersize when offered) | Carefully selected for calorie count (e.g., smaller portions, no supersizing) |
| Caloric Intake | Estimated 5,000 calories per day on average | Aims for a daily deficit, typically 1,500-2,000 calories |
| Menu Variety | Required to eat every item at least once | Focuses on healthier choices, like salads or grilled chicken |
| Exercise | Limited to mimic average American's sedentary lifestyle | Often combined with increased physical activity to maximize weight loss |
| Motivation | To expose fast food's health dangers via a controlled extreme experiment | To demonstrate that calorie counting is key, regardless of the food source |
| Observed Health | Rapidly declining health, liver damage, weight gain | Potential for positive health changes, including weight loss and improved metrics |
The Fallout and Critical Response
While Spurlock's journey was dramatic and influential, it was not without its critics. Concerns were raised about the lack of scientific rigor, as the experiment involved a sample size of one and the results were never subjected to peer review. Critics argued that Spurlock's extreme overconsumption, far exceeding the average daily intake, rather than the food itself, was the cause of his weight gain and health problems. Other filmmakers even attempted to replicate his results using a calorie-controlled approach, demonstrating that weight loss on a McDonald's-only diet was possible. These counter-experiments highlight the fact that the specific rules Spurlock followed, rather than simply eating at McDonald's, were key to his outcomes.
Conclusion: The Enduring Impact of the Rules
Ultimately, what rules did Morgan set for himself during the 30 day McDonald's only diet were more than just a list of prohibitions; they were the foundation of a highly publicized social experiment. Spurlock’s strict adherence to eating only McDonald's, super sizing when asked, and limiting his exercise painted a stark picture of the consequences of a fast-food-heavy lifestyle, leading to significant weight gain, lethargy, and serious health complications. The lasting legacy of Super Size Me isn't just the cautionary tale itself, but the broader conversation it sparked about dietary choices, corporate responsibility, and the nuances of fast-food consumption. Within six weeks of the film's theatrical release, McDonald's even eliminated the Super Size option from its menu, a testament to the documentary's impact. For more information on the film, see the Wikipedia article on Super Size Me.
The Rules That Defined the Experiment
- Three Meals Daily: Spurlock was committed to eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner exclusively from McDonald's for 30 consecutive days.
- McDonald's Items Only: The diet strictly prohibited any food or drink not on the McDonald's menu, including bottled water from outside sources.
- Every Menu Item: He was required to consume every single menu item at least once during the experiment's duration.
- Super Size When Offered: A key rule was to "Super Size" his meal only when a cashier explicitly offered it, not by his own request.
- Limited Exercise: Spurlock aimed to limit his physical activity to mimic the average American lifestyle, around 5,000 steps per day, though this was inconsistently tracked.
- Professional Health Monitoring: To track the diet's effects, he was under the supervision of multiple doctors, including a cardiologist and a gastroenterologist.
- Documenting the Process: The entire journey, including his physical and mental changes, was filmed for the documentary.
