What the Health: A Deep Dive into the Controversial Plant-Based Documentary
In the realm of health and wellness cinema, few films have sparked as much debate as What the Health. Released in 2017, this American documentary takes a provocative look at the intersection of diet, chronic disease, and the powerful industries that influence our nutritional guidelines. By advocating for a plant-based diet, the film challenges viewers to reconsider their consumption of animal products and question the motives of global health organizations.
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The Core Premise and Narrative
Marketed as "The Health Film That Health Organizations Don't Want You To See," the documentary follows filmmaker Kip Andersen on a journey to uncover the truth about diet and disease. Through a series of interviews with physicians and health experts, the film argues that the consumption of meat, dairy, and eggs is a primary driver of serious health problems.
Beyond individual nutrition, the film explores a perceived conspiracy. Andersen examines alleged connections between the pharmaceutical industry, the meat and dairy sectors, and the health organizations that set dietary standards. The narrative suggests that these entities collaborate to suppress information regarding the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle to protect their financial interests.
Production and Background
The film was created by the production team of Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn, who previously gained attention for the documentary Cowspiracy. To bring the project to life, the filmmakers utilized a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo in March 2016, which successfully raised over $235,000. The project also received the support of long-time vegan and actor Joaquin Phoenix, who served as an executive producer.
Following its New York premiere on March 7, 2017, the film was released globally via Vimeo on March 16, 2017, and was later made available through Tugg Inc. and Netflix. To complement the visual experience, a companion book authored by Eunice Wong was released in February 2017.
Critical Reception and Scientific Debate
While What the Health has been praised by some—including VegNews, which listed it as one of the best vegan documentaries in 2024—it has faced significant backlash from the scientific and medical communities. Critics, including dietitians and investigative journalists, argue that the film prioritizes polemics over scientific accuracy.
Medical and Academic Critiques
- Dr. Harriet Hall (SkepDoc): Writing for Science-Based Medicine, Hall described the film as a "blatant polemic for veganism" that is biased and misleading. While she acknowledged the benefits of increased plant consumption, she argued that the evidence is insufficient to recommend a strict vegan diet for everyone.
- Professor Martijn Katan: An emeritus professor in nutrition from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Katan labeled the film as "propaganda." He claimed the film exaggerates the risks of animal products and makes dangerous assertions that veganism can cure diseases like cancer and diabetes.
- Sarah Berry: The Lifestyle Health Editor for The Sydney Morning Herald noted that the film "cherry-picks science" and uses emotive arguments to distort the truth, suggesting the filmmakers lack the necessary training in medicine or nutrition science to interpret research accurately.
Further criticism came from Chase Purdy of Quartz, who stated that the film's reliance on "weak science" to create fear around certain foods is an irresponsible method of attempting to change public behavior.
Key Facts
- Directors: Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn.
- Executive Producer: Joaquin Phoenix.
- Primary Thesis: Meat and dairy consumption lead to serious health issues, and this is covered up by industry-linked health organizations.
- Funding: Raised over $235,000 via Indiegogo.
- Running Time: 92 minutes.
- Recognition: Nominated for the 2018 Cinema for Peace Award for Most Valuable Documentary of the Year.
Film Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | March 7, 2017 (New York) |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Language | English |
| Distribution | A.U.M. Films & Media, Vimeo, Netflix |
| Key Figures | Kip Andersen, Keegan Kuhn, Joaquin Phoenix |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of the film What the Health?
The film aims to advocate for a plant-based diet by critiquing the health effects of eating meat, dairy, and eggs, while questioning the integrity of health and pharmaceutical organizations.
Who produced the documentary?
The film was written, produced, and directed by Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn, with Joaquin Phoenix serving as the executive producer.
Why is the film controversial among scientists?
Many medical doctors and nutritionists argue that the film cherry-picks data, exaggerates health risks, and makes unsubstantiated claims that a vegan diet can cure or prevent major diseases like diabetes and cancer.
How was the film funded?
The production was funded through an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign in March 2016, which raised more than $235,000.
Is there a book associated with the movie?
Yes, a companion book titled What the Health, authored by Eunice Wong, was released in February 2017.