Super Size Me

After hearing the McDonalds Corporation defense against a lawsuit filed by two overweight adolescents who claimed their condition was caused by eating at the fast food establishment, filmmaker Morgan Spurlock decided to conduct a similar experiment on himself showing the riveting and often revolting eating habits of American and the fast food industry.

After being checked out by a team of doctors and nutritionists to document his current state of health which was considered above average, Morgan decided to set out on an all-McDonald's diet. For 30-days his intake consisted of eating nothing but what McDonald's offered for breakfast, lunch and dinner. He was to sample every single menu item throughout the month.

Over time Morgan's weight dramatically increases, his health weakens and he begins to show signs of depression. Morgan at 6 foot 2 inches, 185lbs, and 11% body fat was fit and lean at the start the month. After 30 days Morgan has gained 24.5lbs and increased his body fat by 7%, concluding that such an extreme diet really can be hazardous to your health.

Obesity is a major health problem in the United States; over 60% of adult Americans are obese. Obesity can lead to an array of other diseases, an increased risk of illness and premature death. Hypertension is one of the most common side effects of obesity. Hypertension is a constant elevation of blood pressure, typically 140/90mm of mercury or higher. Although it has no physical symptoms, hypertension can lead to further complications if not treated.

Another complication associated with obesity is diabetes. At the moment obesity is the leading cause of diabetes. Fifteen million people in the United States are diabetic; approximately 10% are juvenile onset diabetics. The other 90% of diabetics are type 2 diabetics, commonly know as adult onset. Those who develop adult onset diabetes generally are diagnosed in their middle years, between 30-60 years old.