Film Lens
Fat Head is a 2009 documentary directed by Tom Naughton that counters the claims made in Super Size Me. Naughton critiques Morgan Spurlock's assertion that he consumed 5,000 calories a day while eating exclusively at McDonald's for 30 days. He questions the validity of Spurlock's food log and argues that consumers are aware of the calorie content in fast food. Naughton believes that fast food restaurants cater to consumer demand rather than causing obesity, suggesting that similar unhealthy food is available at family-owned restaurants.
The film also presents Naughton's personal experiment where he eats fast food for a month. He uses coconut oil for cooking and reports no negative effects on his energy or mood. At the end of the month, his cholesterol levels improved, with his overall cholesterol dropping from 222 to 209. The film aims to debunk dietary myths while presenting a humorous take on the subject, although it has received criticism for its confrontational style and selective presentation of information.
Why Watch
- •See Tom Naughton's humorous take on fast food myths.
- •Find out how Naughton's health improved on a fast food diet.
- •Meet the critics who challenge Naughton's claims.
Did You Know
•Tom Naughton directed and starred in Fat Head, released in 2009.
•Naughton's cholesterol dropped from 222 to 209 after a month of fast food.
•In 2013, Naughton released a director's cut of Fat Head on DVD.
•Naughton questioned Spurlock's claim of consuming 5,000 calories daily.
Perfect For
Nutrition debatesFast food cultureDietary myths