What the Health

What the Health is a 2017 documentary film that critiques the health impact of meat and dairy products consumption, and questions the practices of the leading health and pharmaceutical organizations. Directed by Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn, the same team behind the documentary Cowspiracy, What the Health explores the potential link between diet and disease, and the controversy surrounding the promotion of processed meat as healthy despite the scientific evidence to the contrary.

Synopsis

What the Health follows filmmaker Kip Andersen as he uncovers the secret to preventing and even reversing chronic diseases, and investigates why the nation's leading health organizations don't want people to know about it. Through interviews with medical professionals, researchers, and other advocates for a plant-based diet, the film presents the case that a diet free of animal products can prevent, and in some cases reverse, diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Andersen also explores the political and economic interests that make it difficult for the public to get the full picture about diet and health.

Reception

The documentary received mixed reviews from critics and the public. Supporters praised it for shedding light on the health risks associated with consuming animal products and for challenging the practices of powerful food and pharmaceutical industries. Critics, however, questioned some of the scientific claims made in the film and accused it of fear-mongering and bias. Despite the controversy, What the Health has been influential in sparking discussions about diet, health, and the environment.

Controversy

One of the main criticisms of What the Health is its presentation of scientific data. Some experts argue that the film cherry-picks data and uses correlation to imply causation without sufficient evidence. The documentary's portrayal of all animal products as harmful has also been contested by nutritionists who advocate for a more balanced approach to diet.

Impact

Regardless of the controversy, What the Health has had a significant impact on viewers' dietary choices, with many reporting a shift towards a plant-based diet after watching the film. It has also contributed to the ongoing debate about the sustainability and ethics of meat consumption, and the role of diet in public health.

See Also

• Diet and health
• Veganism
• Environmental impact of meat production
• Food industry