Supersized Reflections: Life, Legacy, and the Quest for Healthier Choices

Another life cut short at 53—a headline that feels like a punch to the gut. Anything less than 90 seems too soon, and even deaths in their 70s make me stop and reflect on life’s fragility.

I was a freshman in high school when Supersize Me came out. I wore a matching light blue and Foot Locker t-shirt, if that helps paint a picture of who I was. I had been at the same school from kindergarten through eighth grade and now was entering high school—same mentality but a new building. Education first, then arts, then sports. During my time there, we switched the latter two (well, in the opinion of a former dancer and track runner), maybe they stayed equal.

Morgan Spurlock. Was it the month of McDonald’s-only consumption that made him famous? I don’t think that was necessarily the case, but eating fast food for a month and being forced to supersize the meal when prompted certainly had lasting effects. That was 2004, when he was around my age, and now, twenty years later, he’s gone. What happened in between?

Morgan Spurlock, an independent filmmaker and documentarian, spent the last two decades continuing to challenge societal norms and provoke thought with his unique style of storytelling. Supersize Me was just the beginning. After exposing the dangers of fast food, he went on to explore other pressing issues. His follow-up projects, such as Where in the World Is Osama Bin Laden? and The Greatest Movie Ever Sold, showcased his ability to blend humor with hard-hitting truths.

Each day, I struggle with purpose. Some days are worse than others. But, if I only have twenty years left on this earth, I think I should rethink my approach to life. By rethink, I mean I should think less, act more, love more, and be more grateful.

Supersize Me brought significant attention to the negative aspects of the fast food industry, but I would rather adjust the lens to ask what happens when this is all that a family can afford? In that instant, we need to assist the ALDIs of the world, to keep prices low so lower socioeconomic individuals can purchase their own food and cook. We need to put grocery stores on every corner the same way McDonald’s has done in some cities.

Spurlock’s lived testimony should not go to waste. Instead of just pointing the finger at the almighty McDonald’s, we need to look at ourselves. What are we doing to promote healthy eating habits? How are we supporting those who struggle to afford nutritious food? The conversation should extend beyond criticizing fast food chains and address the broader issues of food accessibility and affordability.

Fast food chains thrive because they offer convenience and low prices. For many families, these are the deciding factors in their food choices. Cooking at home, while often cheaper in the long run, requires time, knowledge, and upfront costs that some people simply can’t afford. This is where community support and policy change come into play.

We can start by supporting local farmers’ markets and community gardens, which provide fresh produce at lower prices. Educational programs that teach cooking skills and nutrition can empower people to make healthier choices. Subsidies for healthier food options and taxation on junk food could also help shift the balance.

Spurlock’s journey was about more than just the physical effects of a fast-food diet; it was a commentary on the systemic issues within the food industry. The lack of regulation, the aggressive marketing tactics, and the socioeconomic factors that drive people towards unhealthy choices are all part of the problem.

As individuals, we can make small changes in our lives to promote health and wellness. We can choose to cook more meals at home, support local businesses, and educate ourselves about nutrition. But we also need to advocate for broader changes that make healthy food accessible to everyone.

Let’s honor Spurlock’s legacy by continuing the conversation he started. Let’s challenge ourselves to think critically about our food choices and the impact they have on our health and our communities. And let’s push for policies that make healthy, affordable food a reality for everyone.

In the end, it’s not just about avoiding the headline “Dead at 53.” It’s about living a life full of purpose, love, and gratitude. It’s about creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to live a long, healthy life. Morgan Spurlock’s work was a wake-up call. Let’s make sure we don’t hit the snooze button.