Morgan Spurlock's documentary film "Super Size Me" brought attention to the horrifying effects of consuming McDonald's food for an extended period.
Spurlock's health experiment negatively impacted his body, and his recent death at 53 emphasized the consequences of his fast food diet.
When Spurlock began his experiment, he weighed 185 pounds, and his body mass index (BMI) was 23.2. This BMI is considered to be within the healthy range.
During the experiment, Spurlock consumed only McDonald's food for 30 days, and the results were alarming.
His body went through significant changes, with his weight increasing by 24.5 pounds, pushing him into the obese category.
His cholesterol levels and body fat skyrocketed, and he was declared medically obese after the experiment.
Within weeks, his liver had turned "into pâté," as described by his doctor.
It appeared as though his liver had been severely damaged, resembling that of an alcoholic after a drunk.
Spurlock's liver had become mushy and was no longer able to perform its essential functions, such as detoxifying blood and metabolizing nutrients.
Spurlock's fast food experiment showed how eating unhealthy food can be harmful. However, he also had a problem with drinking too much alcohol. This might have affected his results.
His liver was already in bad shape because of his alcoholism, which could have made it worse. His overall health, both physically and mentally, was not in a good state.
So, his alcohol abuse may have played a part in his poor liver health and overall decline in well-being.
Spurlock experienced a significant increase in his cholesterol levels, which posed a higher risk of heart disease and cardiovascular problems.
The high levels of refined sugars, saturated fats, and processed ingredients found in fast food have been linked to various health issues, including obesity, depression, and an increased risk of certain types of cancer.
Spurlock's experiment had a significant impact on public perception of fast food, leading McDonald's to remove its super-sized menu options.
However, personal factors, such as pre-existing health conditions and lifestyle choices, can influence the outcomes of such experiments.
A study conducted in Iran in 2014 involving 13,486 participants found a significant link between consuming junk food and experiencing mental distress.
The study also revealed that there was a notable association between junk food intake and violent behaviors.
In Morgan Spurlock's case, his sex drive was affected by his consumption of high levels of sugar and saturated fats.
These substances can restrict blood flow, making it challenging to engage in sexual activities.
Spurlock's girlfriend, who was a vegan chef, mentioned to the audience that he was having difficulty maintaining an erection.
Furthermore, consuming these types of foods can lead to weight gain.
Conditions such as heart issues and high cholesterol can contribute to erectile dysfunction, while the presence of trans fats in junk food is known to decrease libido.
Spurlock's family stated that he died from cancer-related complications. However, they did not provide details about the specific type of cancer he had or the duration of his battle with the disease.
