Watch Fat Head

Fat Head is a comedic and informative documentary film that tackles the issue of obesity and unhealthy diets in America. The film's premise is centered around a response to the controversial 2004 documentary "Super Size Me" by Morgan Spurlock, which blamed fast food chains for the worsening obesity epidemic in the United States. Written and directed by comedian and former journalist Tom Naughton, Fat Head follows Naughton himself as he embarks on a personal experiment to disprove the notion that fast food is solely responsible for making Americans overweight and unhealthy. Naughton begins by consuming nothing but fast food for a month, cleverly dubbing his experiment "McDiet." However, unlike Spurlock's film, Naughton's agenda isn't to prove fast food's harmful effects on the body, but rather to prove that the obesity epidemic is a result of multiple factors, including processed foods, sugar, starches, and sedentary lifestyles.

Throughout the film, Naughton is assisted by various nutritionists, physicians, and researchers who discuss the science behind weight gain and the role of insulin in obesity. Naughton also interviews several individuals who have successfully lost weight on low-carb diets, citing their own struggles with diets recommended by mainstream health organizations. One particular interviewee is Dr. Mary Vernon, a family physician and low-carb advocate who discusses how insulin resistance is a leading cause of obesity and recommends reducing carbohydrate intake to manage weight and prevent chronic diseases.

Naughton also takes a satirical approach to debunking the myths associated with healthy eating, such as the myth that low-fat diets and calorie counting lead to weight loss. He humorously illustrates this point through a skit depicting former first lady Michelle Obama's "MyPlate" campaign, highlighting how the food pyramid is flawed and doesn't truly represent a healthy diet.

In addition, Naughton takes aim at the irrational fear of dietary fat, arguing that the low-fat craze of the past few decades is in large part responsible for the obesity epidemic. He explains the science behind how dietary fat is not converted into body fat as many have been led to believe, and that in fact, healthy fats such as those found in olive oil and avocado are essential for optimal health.

Throughout the film, Naughton also delves into the economic implications of the obesity epidemic, exposing the influence of government subsidies on the creation of cheap and unhealthy food products. He argues that the government should take a more hands-off approach to regulating dietary habits and put more emphasis on educating the public about making healthier choices.

Overall, Fat Head is an entertaining and educational film that challenges the conventional wisdom around obesity and healthy eating. Naughton's humorous approach keeps the film engaging, while the expert opinions and scientific evidence presented provide a compelling case for a low-carb, high-fat diet. Whether you're looking to lose weight or simply learn more about nutrition, Fat Head is a must-watch documentary.

Fat Head is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.