Published on April 1, 2026
The documentary *What the Health* (2017), directed and Keegan Kuhn, scrutinizes the impact of the animal agriculture industry—specifically the meat and dairy sectors—on human health. This film serves as a companion to their earlier work, *Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret* (2014), which dealt with the environmental repercussions of animal farming.
Kip Andersen, assuming the role of the investigative reporter, engages with various industry spokespeople and health organization representatives, ultimately highlighting the detrimental effects of the meat and dairy industries on human well-being. A significant revelation in the film is the World Health Organization’s classification of processed meats as carcinogenic, a finding that shocks Andersen, especially given that reputable health organizations like the American Cancer Society seemingly disregard this warning while promoting processed meats.
As Andersen delves deeper, he uncovers a troubling narrative surrounding diabetes. Contrary to common beliefs linking sugar and carbohydrates to diabetes, the film features Dr. Garth Davis, who points out that red meat is the actual dietary culprit worsening this condition. One particularly telling encounter occurs with Dr. Robert Ratner, the Chief Scientific and Medical Officer of the American Diabetes Association, who dismisses claims linking meat consumption to diabetes exacerbation. This tension escalates when Andersen presents peer-reviewed research, leading Ratner to abruptly exit the interview.
The film further reveals that many prominent health institutions, including the American Diabetes Association and the American Cancer Society, receive substantial funding from the meat and dairy sectors. This financial connection raises questions about their willingness to acknowledge the adverse health effects associated with these industries, suggesting a potential conflict of interest.
A critical aspect explored in *What the Health* is the lack of nutritional training in medical education. Most doctors graduate with insufficient knowledge about nutrition, hampering their ability to promote plant-based diets despite their clear health benefits. The film argues that the medical and pharmaceutical industries prioritize treatment over prevention, reflecting a system that finds profitability in chronic illness rather than implementing a proactive approach through diet.
The narrative is strengthened from individuals suffering from chronic health issues who, after transitioning to a vegan lifestyle, experience significant health improvements and a reduction in medication needs. This evidence, alongside interviews with medical experts, reinforces the filmmakers’ assertion that a plant-based diet is essential for optimal health. They debunk the myth that plant-based diets lack protein, clarifying that such diets can provide ample protein and noting that all protein ultimately originates from plants.
Through the stories of athletes thriving on plant-based diets, the documentary strives to consolidate its message: to maintain health, everyone should consider adopting a plant-based lifestyle.
Overall, *What the Health* emerges as a compelling documentary that challenges conventional views on diet and health, advocating for the overwhelming benefits of a vegan diet. While the film leans heavily on interviews and testimonials, it prompts meaningful conversations about nutrition and promotes a radical shift in how health issues are approached in society. Viewing *What the Health* is recommended for anyone interested in understanding the profound link between diet and health.
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