Supersize food portions are portions that are larger than the normal "large" size.[1] The term was particularly used byMcDonald's restaurants for their largest-size portions ofFrench fries andsoft drinks. In theUnited States, McDonald's introduced the supersized option in the summer of 1987.[2]
For Disney's 1988 filmWho Framed Roger Rabbit, instead of running aHappy Meal promotion targeted at children, they opted for a "super-size" promotion, "designed to appeal to teenagers and young adults, the same as the movie's audience".[3] The same held true for the 1993 Steven Spielberg filmJurassic Park, when McDonald's introduced their Dino-Sized drink and fry options.[4]
In 2004,Morgan Spurlock released a documentary film calledSuper Size Me, in which Spurlock ate only McDonald's food for 30 days while exploring the effects on his health.[5] In March 2004, six weeks after the film's debut, McDonald's announced a plan to phase out the Supersize option, citing needs to simplify the menu and to offer healthier food choices.[6]
