The film What the Health follows valiant movie producer Kip Andersen as he reveals the key to preventing and reversing chronic diseases and investigates why the nation’s leading health associations don’t want us to think about it or even know about it. The film reveals the largest health cover-up of all time with leading causes in America such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes at an all-time high. With the support of researchers, medical doctors, and consumer advocates, What the Health demonstrates the corruption in big businesses and in government that is costing individuals billions of dollars while keeping them sick.
Processed Meat and Disease
According to the video, processed meat causes diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Society often blames sugar for causing diabetes because “doctors” state this. However, the video suggests that diabetes is actually produced by a buildup of fat in the blood, which leads to insulin resistance, preventing sugar from getting into the bloodstream and then into the cells where it’s supposed to be utilized. The focus on sugar has diverted attention from dairy, meat, pork, turkey, and chicken. According to Andersen, one serving of processed meat can increase the danger of rapidly developing diabetes by 51%. This statistic is particularly alarming when considering the American Diabetes Association’s website, which advertises diets that include processed and red meat, presenting bacon-wrapped shrimp as a healthy lifestyle option.
The Role of Major Health Organizations
The American Diabetes Association has stated that globally “we are looking at 350 million people with diabetes.” One in three Medicare dollars is spent on people with this disease. The World Health Organization categorizes processed meat as a Group 1 carcinogen, placing it in the same category as asbestos, cigarettes, and plutonium. It also categorizes red meat as a Group 2 carcinogen. Despite this classification, the American Cancer Society’s website recommends that people consume Group 1 carcinogenic foods such as processed canned meats and turkey. This contradiction raises serious questions about the transparency and motives of these health organizations.
When Anderson questioned a specialist from the American Cancer Society about their recommendations for processed meats, the “expert” refused to answer after continuous attempts. Similarly, a scheduled meeting with a “representative” from the American Cancer Society to discuss the correlation between cancer and diet was canceled at the last minute. In the U.S., 1 out of every 4 deaths is related to cancer, highlighting the critical nature of these inquiries.
Obesity and Lifestyle Diseases
Dr. Alan Goldhamer states, “Two-thirds of adults are now overweight or obese, and we have an epidemic cascade of debilitating disease that is overcoming the country. There is no way we can sustain the current style of care with the epidemic that we’re creating with our diet and lifestyle choices.” This statement underscores the urgent need for a paradigm shift in how we approach diet and health care. The current model of American medicine, which ostensibly operates to help sick people become better, is criticized for perpetuating a dependency on medication rather than promoting preventive measures and lifestyle changes.
Anderson previously believed that there was no cure or prevention for type 1 diabetes, but research is demonstrating that it is related to childhood diet as well. He indicated that all the major health associations—the American Diabetes Association, the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, and Susan G. Komen—are urging individuals to eat the very foods linked to the diseases they should be fighting against. The American Heart Association promotes beef, the American Cancer Society promotes processed meat, dairy products are endorsed by pink ribbons, and the American Diabetes Association promotes bacon-wrapped shrimp.
Financial Ties and Conflicts of Interest
The documentary concludes that these large “health” organizations profit from their relationships with major food corporations. For example, Dannon, one of the largest dairy yogurt producers, Kraft Foods, Velveeta processed cheese, Lunchables processed kids’ meals, and Bumble Bee Foods, which produces processed canned meats, all financially support these organizations. The American Cancer Society receives money from Tyson, one of the world’s biggest meat producers, as well as from fast-food giants like Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and KFC.
This financial entanglement suggests a significant conflict of interest. These health organizations, which are supposed to advocate for public health, appear to be influenced by their corporate sponsors. This influence compromises their ability to provide unbiased health advice and undermines public trust. The documentary posits that these organizations prioritize profits over health, contributing to the perpetuation of chronic diseases.
Theoretical Perspectives
From an academic perspective, the documentary’s arguments can be analyzed through the lens of various theories. Conflict theory, which originates from Karl Marx, posits that society is in a state of perpetual conflict due to competition for limited resources. This theory is evident in the documentary’s portrayal of health organizations and corporations prioritizing profits over public health. The collusion between these entities reflects a power struggle where the health and well-being of individuals are secondary to economic gain.
Furthermore, the documentary aligns with the theory of hegemony, proposed by Antonio Gramsci, which suggests that the dominant group in society maintains its dominance by manipulating the culture of that society. In this case, the dominant food and pharmaceutical industries maintain their dominance by influencing dietary guidelines and public health recommendations, thereby shaping societal norms and behaviors to benefit their interests.
The documentary also touches on the concept of the “medical-industrial complex,” which refers to the intricate network of corporations, health care providers, and regulatory agencies that collectively maintain the status quo of health care. This complex is driven by profit motives and often resists changes that could disrupt its financial interests, such as promoting a plant-based diet that could potentially reduce reliance on medications and treatments.
Personal Reflection
From a personal perspective, after watching What the Health, it becomes clear that society is based on production primarily for profit, often associating collusion and corruption between large companies, corporations, and government. This realization makes it uneasy to find truthful answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding health. The documentary highlights the importance of questioning and critically analyzing the information provided by health organizations and encourages individuals to seek out alternative sources of information.
Conclusion
What the Health exposes the stark reality of how deeply intertwined the food industry, health organizations, and government are in perpetuating chronic diseases. Through its investigation, the documentary reveals the extent to which financial interests and corporate influence shape public health recommendations, often to the detriment of the public. The film calls for greater transparency, accountability, and a shift towards preventive measures and lifestyle changes to combat the epidemic of chronic diseases. By understanding these dynamics, individuals can make more informed choices about their diet and health, challenging the status quo and advocating for a healthier society.