Inside Iowa State

September 24, 2004

You want fries with that?

What would happen if you ate nothing but fast food for breakfast, lunch and dinner?

Morgan Spurlock knows.

To make his documentary, Super Size Me, Spurlock spent a month on a McDonald's-only diet.

His diet rules were simple: he could eat only what was available over the counter (water included), he didn't super size his order unless it was offered, and he had to have every item on the menu at least once.

Spurlock reports that during this McDonald's diet, he suffered chest pains, partial liver failure, headaches and depression.

He chronicles his experience in the documentary film. He also interviewed experts (including surgeon generals, gym teachers, lawmakers, cooks and kids) in 20 cities for the film.

Spurlock will discuss his documentary at 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30, in the Memorial Union Great Hall. You can catch the documentary at 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26, in the South Ballroom and at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29, in the Pioneer Room.

"Super Size Me is one man's journey into the world of weight gain, health problems and fast food," Spurlock said on the Super Size Me Web site. "It's an examination of the American way of life and the influence that has had on our children, the nation and the world at large."

Morgan Spurlock