Fasting has a long history. In the 5th century BC, Greek physician Hippocrates prescribed the practice for certain health conditions. Today many people still choose to abstain from certain foods to improve their overall well-being. And this is precisely what an Australian filmmaker Joe Cross endeavors to do in Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead. Over a 60-day period, Joe sets out to only consume fruit and vegetable juice as he makes his way across America, discussing food and wellness with over 500 everyday people.
At the beginning of the documentary, Joe is overweight and suffers from an autoimmune disease called urticaria, which he says has been caused by his unhealthy lifestyle. In order to go about his plan the right way, Joe enlists the help of Joel Fuhrman, Nutrition Research Foundation’s Director of Research, who supervises him through his journey to wellness. During his 3,000-mile cross-country adventure Joe meets Phil Staples, a 429-pound truck driver who also suffers from an autoimmune disease. Juicer in hand, Joe is successful at convincing Phil to follow in his footsteps and try juice fasting.
Katrine Rubæk, expert in nutrition and head of Sundt UK said: “Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead’s central theme centers around the fact that we can heal ourselves, and that many health issues and conditions can be improved with the right diet. Fruit and vegetables are great sources of minerals, vitamins and dietary fiber, all of which are essential to our well-being. With so many people experiencing wellness issues, it is crucial that we consume the right foods and boost our health with supplements.”
Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead chronicles the physical and mental transformation experienced by the two men over the course of their dietary transition from eating junk food to a plant-based diet. After 60 days on the road, Joe loses 82 pounds going down from 310 to 228 pounds. He also successfully decreases the dosage of his medication for urticaria. In addition, Joe’s cholesterol decreases from 204 to 135. Phil also fasted for 60 days, losing 90 pounds. Since the film, he has lost a total of 200 pounds. Since 36 percent of adults in the US and 28 percent of adults in the UK are obese, the Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead is a timely reminder that we are all responsible for our own health.
Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead is available on Amazon Prime Video.
