Super Size Me Video Worksheet Answers

Super Size Me, a documentary released in 2004, sparked a global conversation about the fast-food industry, health, and personal responsibility. A Super Size Me video worksheet aims to help viewers deeply analyze the issues raised in the film, prompting them to think critically about their food choices and the impact of fast food on their health. The answers to these worksheets provide valuable insights into the film's key themes.

Introduction to Super Size Me

Directed by and starring Morgan Spurlock, Super Size Me follows Spurlock's 30-day experiment of eating only McDonald's food. The film documents the physical and psychological effects of this diet on Spurlock's well-being. The documentary is not just a personal journey; it is a scathing critique of the fast-food industry and its contribution to the obesity epidemic in the United States. The film also explores the marketing tactics used by fast-food companies, particularly those targeting children, and the lack of nutritional information available to consumers.

Super Size Me quickly became a cultural phenomenon, igniting discussions in schools, homes, and public forums. Worksheets associated with the film are commonly used in educational settings to encourage critical thinking and analysis. By answering these worksheets, students and viewers can delve deeper into the issues presented in the film and consider the broader implications of their own dietary habits.

Common Super Size Me Video Worksheet Questions and Answers

Understanding the Premise

Question: What is the main premise of the documentary Super Size Me?

Answer: The main premise of Super Size Me is to document the effects of eating only McDonald's food for 30 days on the director's health. Morgan Spurlock undertakes this experiment to explore the potential health risks associated with a diet consisting solely of fast food. He commits to eating every item on the McDonald's menu at least once and "super sizing" his meal whenever offered. He also documents his physical and psychological changes under the care and supervision of three doctors (a general practitioner, a cardiologist, and a gastroenterologist) and a nutritionist.

Initial Health Assessment

Question: What were Morgan Spurlock's initial health conditions before starting the experiment?

Answer: Before beginning his 30-day McDonald's diet, Morgan Spurlock was in good health. He was 32 years old, physically active, and had no pre-existing medical conditions. His doctors described him as being in excellent condition, with normal cholesterol levels, healthy liver function, and a strong cardiovascular system. He maintained a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise, making him an ideal candidate to demonstrate the impact of a sudden, drastic change in diet.

Rules of the Experiment

Question: What were the specific rules that Morgan Spurlock followed during his Super Size Me experiment?

Answer: Morgan Spurlock adhered to several strict rules during his Super Size Me experiment:

• He could only eat food and drinks sold at McDonald's.
• He had to eat every item on the McDonald's menu at least once during the 30 days.
• He had to "super size" his meal whenever offered, but only when offered.
• He had to eat three meals a day at McDonald's (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
• He had to maintain his level of physical activity as before the experiment.

Physical and Psychological Effects

Question: What were some of the physical and psychological effects that Morgan Spurlock experienced during the experiment?

Answer: During the 30-day experiment, Morgan Spurlock experienced a range of negative physical and psychological effects:

• Weight Gain: He gained approximately 24 pounds (around 11 kilograms) during the month.
• Cholesterol Levels: His cholesterol levels increased significantly, raising his risk of heart disease.
• Liver Problems: He developed a fatty liver, indicating damage and dysfunction.
• Mood Swings: He experienced mood swings, depression, and fatigue.
• Heart Palpitations: He suffered from heart palpitations and shortness of breath.
• Sexual Dysfunction: He reported a decrease in sexual function.
• Addiction: He developed an addiction-like craving for McDonald's food.

Fast Food Industry and Marketing

Question: How does the documentary critique the fast-food industry and its marketing practices?

Answer: Super Size Me critiques the fast-food industry by exposing its role in promoting unhealthy eating habits and contributing to the obesity epidemic. The documentary highlights the following:

• Marketing to Children: The film criticizes the industry's aggressive marketing tactics targeting children, including the use of toys and cartoon characters to promote unhealthy food.
• Nutritional Information: The film points out the lack of clear and accessible nutritional information available to consumers, making it difficult for them to make informed choices.
• Portion Sizes: The documentary emphasizes the increase in portion sizes over the years and the normalization of "super size" options, which contribute to overeating.
• Health Consequences: The film illustrates the severe health consequences associated with a diet high in fast food, including obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and liver damage.

Comparison with Health Experts

Question: What did the health experts (doctors and nutritionist) say about Morgan Spurlock's health during the experiment?

Answer: The health experts monitoring Morgan Spurlock during the experiment expressed increasing concern about his deteriorating health. They observed:

• Rapid Deterioration: They noted a rapid decline in his health indicators, including cholesterol levels, liver function, and overall energy levels.
• Liver Damage: The gastroenterologist was particularly concerned about the development of a fatty liver, which could lead to serious liver disease.
• Heart Problems: The cardiologist warned about the increased risk of heart disease due to elevated cholesterol levels and heart palpitations.
• Weight Gain: The nutritionist highlighted the unhealthy weight gain and its long-term implications for Spurlock's health.
• Call to Stop: The doctors eventually advised Spurlock to stop the experiment before he caused irreversible damage to his health.

Obesity Epidemic

Question: How does Super Size Me connect the fast-food industry to the obesity epidemic in the United States?

Answer: Super Size Me draws a direct connection between the fast-food industry and the obesity epidemic in the United States by:

• Illustrating the Impact of Fast Food: The film demonstrates the harmful effects of a diet consisting primarily of fast food on an individual's health.
• Highlighting Marketing Tactics: It exposes how the industry's marketing tactics, particularly those targeting children, encourage unhealthy eating habits from a young age.
• Lack of Nutritional Awareness: It reveals the lack of nutritional awareness among consumers and the industry's failure to provide clear and accessible information.
• School Lunches: The documentary explores the unhealthy options available in school lunches and the presence of fast-food chains in schools, contributing to childhood obesity.
• Sedentary Lifestyle: The film touches upon the sedentary lifestyle promoted by a car-dependent culture, which often leads to fast-food consumption due to convenience.

Personal Responsibility

Question: Does Super Size Me suggest that consumers bear any responsibility for their health, or does it solely blame the fast-food industry?

Answer: Super Size Me acknowledges the role of the fast-food industry in promoting unhealthy eating habits but also implies that consumers bear some responsibility for their health. While the film critiques the industry's marketing practices and lack of nutritional information, it also emphasizes the importance of making informed choices and adopting a healthy lifestyle. The documentary suggests that consumers need to be aware of the potential health risks associated with fast food and take steps to protect their well-being by:

• Making Informed Choices: Educating themselves about nutrition and making informed choices about what they eat.
• Practicing Moderation: Consuming fast food in moderation, if at all.
• Adopting a Healthy Lifestyle: Combining a balanced diet with regular physical activity.
• Advocating for Change: Supporting policies that promote healthier food options and restrict the marketing of unhealthy food to children.

Spurlock's Recovery

Question: How long did it take Morgan Spurlock to recover from the effects of the 30-day McDonald's diet?

Answer: It took Morgan Spurlock approximately 14 months to fully recover from the effects of the 30-day McDonald's diet. Under the guidance of a nutritionist and with a commitment to a healthy diet and regular exercise, he gradually regained his health. The recovery process was slow and challenging, highlighting the significant impact that the fast-food diet had on his body.

Overall Message

Question: What is the overall message or main takeaway of Super Size Me?

Answer: The overall message of Super Size Me is that a diet consisting primarily of fast food can have severe negative effects on one's health. The documentary serves as a cautionary tale, urging viewers to be mindful of their food choices and to consider the broader implications of the fast-food industry on public health. The main takeaways from the film include:

• Health Risks: Fast food can lead to obesity, heart disease, liver damage, and other serious health problems.
• Industry Influence: The fast-food industry plays a significant role in promoting unhealthy eating habits, particularly through marketing to children.
• Nutritional Awareness: Consumers need to be aware of the nutritional content of fast food and make informed choices.
• Personal Responsibility: Individuals bear some responsibility for their health and should strive to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
• Advocacy for Change: There is a need for policy changes to promote healthier food options and restrict the marketing of unhealthy food to children.

Deeper Analysis Questions

For a more in-depth analysis, consider these questions:

Socioeconomic Factors

Question: How does Super Size Me address socioeconomic factors related to fast-food consumption?

Answer: Super Size Me touches on the socioeconomic factors that contribute to fast-food consumption, although it is not the primary focus of the documentary. The film suggests that:

• Affordability: Fast food is often cheaper and more accessible than healthier alternatives, making it a more appealing option for low-income individuals and families.
• Convenience: Fast food is convenient for busy individuals and families who may not have the time or resources to prepare healthy meals.
• Food Deserts: The film implies that in some communities, particularly low-income areas, access to fresh and healthy food is limited, leading to a greater reliance on fast food.
• Marketing Influence: The documentary also suggests that the fast-food industry aggressively targets low-income communities with their marketing efforts, further promoting unhealthy eating habits.

Corporate Responsibility

Question: What arguments does Super Size Me make about the corporate responsibility of fast-food companies?

Answer: Super Size Me makes several arguments about the corporate responsibility of fast-food companies:

• Transparency: The film argues that fast-food companies have a responsibility to be transparent about the nutritional content of their food and the potential health risks associated with consuming it.
• Marketing Practices: The documentary criticizes the industry's marketing practices, particularly those targeting children, and argues that companies should be more responsible in their advertising.
• Healthier Options: The film suggests that fast-food companies should offer healthier options on their menus and promote these options to consumers.
• Lobbying Efforts: The documentary implies that fast-food companies use their influence to lobby against policies that would promote healthier eating habits and restrict their marketing practices.
• Community Involvement: The film suggests that fast-food companies should invest in community programs that promote healthy eating and active lifestyles.

Long-Term Health Implications

Question: What are the long-term health implications of a diet similar to the one Morgan Spurlock followed in Super Size Me?

Answer: The long-term health implications of a diet similar to the one Morgan Spurlock followed in Super Size Me are severe and can include:

• Obesity: Chronic overconsumption of high-calorie, high-fat fast food can lead to obesity, increasing the risk of numerous health problems.
• Heart Disease: High levels of saturated and trans fats in fast food can raise cholesterol levels, leading to heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
• Type 2 Diabetes: A diet high in sugar and processed carbohydrates can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Liver Damage: Excessive consumption of fast food can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure.
• Certain Cancers: Studies have linked diets high in processed foods and red meat to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including colon cancer and breast cancer.
• Mental Health Issues: Poor nutrition can contribute to mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline.
• Reduced Life Expectancy: Overall, a diet high in fast food can significantly reduce life expectancy due to the increased risk of chronic diseases.

Alternatives and Solutions

Question: What alternatives and solutions does Super Size Me suggest for addressing the issues it raises?

Answer: While Super Size Me primarily focuses on the problems associated with the fast-food industry, it also suggests some alternatives and solutions:

• Education: Educating consumers, particularly children, about nutrition and the health risks of fast food.
• Healthier School Lunches: Improving the nutritional quality of school lunches and reducing the presence of fast-food chains in schools.
• Regulation: Implementing regulations to restrict the marketing of unhealthy food to children and to require fast-food companies to provide clear nutritional information.
• Community Initiatives: Supporting community initiatives that promote healthy eating and active lifestyles, such as community gardens and farmers' markets.
• Personal Choices: Encouraging individuals to make informed choices about their food and to adopt a balanced diet and regular exercise routine.
• Advocacy: Advocating for policies that promote healthier food options and restrict the influence of the fast-food industry.

Impact and Reception

Question: What was the impact and reception of Super Size Me after its release?

Answer: Super Size Me had a significant impact and received a wide range of reactions after its release:

• Public Awareness: The film raised public awareness about the health risks associated with fast food and the role of the fast-food industry in the obesity epidemic.
• Industry Changes: Some fast-food companies, including McDonald's, made changes to their menus and marketing practices in response to the film's criticism.
• Educational Use: Super Size Me became a popular tool in schools and universities for teaching about nutrition, health, and social issues.
• Critical Acclaim: The film received critical acclaim for its innovative approach and its ability to engage audiences on an important topic.
• Criticism: Some critics argued that the film was overly simplistic and that it unfairly blamed the fast-food industry for individual health problems. Others questioned the scientific validity of Spurlock's experiment.
• Ongoing Debate: Super Size Me sparked an ongoing debate about the role of the fast-food industry, personal responsibility, and the need for policy changes to promote healthier eating habits.

Conclusion

Answering a Super Size Me video worksheet can provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex issues surrounding the fast-food industry, health, and personal responsibility. By engaging with the questions and considering the answers, viewers can develop a more critical perspective on their own dietary habits and the broader implications of their food choices. The film serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of making informed decisions, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and advocating for changes that promote public health.