by Megan Kingsley

Created on: June 10, 2009   Last Updated: June 15, 2009

Fast food is part of American life. The appeal of cheap, tasty meals and speedy service draws us in again and again. We've known for decades that burgers and fries don't make up a healthy diet, but until recently, most Americans remained in the dark concerning the hidden side of the fast food world.

In 2001, Eric Schlosser opened the eyes of Americans to what was really going on. His book, "Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal" exposed many of the practices and ideas behind inexpensive food. Documented evidence of low-quality ingredients, underpaid employees, shady business practices, and aggressive marketing campaigns directed toward children caused some consumers to sit back and take notice. McDonald's and its competitors fired back with forceful advertising proclaiming the qualities of their foods.

Then came "Supersize Me"; a film in which Morgan Spurlock documented a thirty-day period in which he ate only McDonald's menu items. If it couldn't be purchased at McDonalds, it wasn't consumed. No big deal, right? Of course, it's not the healthiest diet, but how bad could it be? Spurlock found his new diet to be disastrous. He gained nearly 25 pounds and suffered liver damage, hypertension, cardiac issues, sexual dysfunction, and digestive problems for his efforts. Closely monitored by physicians, Spurlock was urged to abandon the project by more than one medical professional concerned for his life. It took him over a year to lose the weight gained by consuming fast food three meals per day for a month, and long-term health consequences are not out of the question.

America was stunned. In a country where the food supply is widely believed to be the safest in the world, how could food served to millions of people each day cause such severe problems in an otherwise healthy adult male? The combination of the controversial film and Schlosser's book caused many to rethink their positions on the cheap food from the place on the corner.

The fast food industry marketing department swung into high gear. McDonald's removed the "supersize" fries and drink option from their menu. Most fast food restaurants now offer, and aggressively advertise, alternatives to burgers and fries; salads, fruit, yogurt, even vegetarian meals. Marketing has fired up feel-good campaigns showing happy families eating apple slices and grilled chicken sandwiches as they talk about their day. Restaurants deny such developments are damage control for a tainted

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