In an effort to prove that the fast food industry is responsible for the growing obesity rate in the United States, independent filmmaker Morgan Spurlock followed a 30-day diet modification program that consisted only consuming only food from the McDonalds menu.

He wanted to show the world exactly how the fast food industry achieves its main interest of financial gain by continuing to promote unhealthy eating habits. The 2004 Academy Award nominated movie, Super Size Me, concentrated on the current global health and weight epidemic and proved to many that the fast food industry is working hand in hand with obesity to create a bigger world.

Fast Food and Obesity Provide Ground Rules for Documentary Style Film

Spurlock consumed 5000 each day whilst on the 30 day McDonald’s diet plan and during this time he had to eat three meals daily and every item of the menu had to be indulged in at least once during the duration of the plan. The day before the diet commenced Spurlock weighed in at 185 pounds. He was a six feet two inches tall healthy thirty two year old with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 23.2. By the end of the plan he had put on 24.5 pounds and his BMI had reached 27.

Bearing in mind a healthy BMI for someone of Spurlock’s age, height and weight should fall between 19 and 25, it was clear to see that he had gone from the healthy to overweight bracket in a relatively short period of time when following the McDonald’s eating plan. This proved to many people that his claim of the relationship between fast food and obesity was duly substantiated. In fact, during the first five days alone of following the fast food diet he gained nearly ten pounds in weight.

Results of Fast Food And Obesity Experiment

The United States and other nations who had previously supported the McDonald’s fast food industry were impressed by the movie, and even more so when the supersize option on the McDonald’s menu was quickly phased out. Healthy salad options were added, although the fast food chain states that these changes had nothing to do with the movie.

It is interesting to note that while the salads are offered as a healthy option, when combined with fried chicken breasts and fat laden salad dressings, many of the salads contain more calories and fat grams than the burgers and fries. McDonalds never agreed that fast food and obesity were related nor did they admit that their menu items were a cause for obesity.

Regrettably, even though the McDonald’s menu provides a healthy option to its many fat-filled fast food meals, the customer is not obliged in any way to choose the healthy food, simply because it’s on the menu. Choices which are lower in fat can be ordered from the menu, but the majority of customers don?t bother to make such personal ordering modifications.

With this in mind, it should be noted that training the consumer in more important that pointing a finger at big business. Subway has made every effort to advertise their low fat options and practices, McDonalds simply chooses to ignore health guidelines and continue to sell what made them famous. It is the responsibility of the consumer to make the right choice.