Fat Head

Fat Head presents an alternative perspective on nutrition and obesity, challenging the ideas popularized by Morgan Spurlock’s Super Size Me. It follows comedian Tom Naughton as he embarks on a 30-day fast-food diet, aiming to lose weight while consuming meals from popular chains. Unlike Spurlock’s experiment, Naughton sets calorie and carbohydrate limits for his meals, resulting in weight loss and improved health markers.

Throughout the documentary, Naughton critiques the prevailing beliefs about obesity and nutrition, questioning the validity of the lipid hypothesis, which suggests that high-fat diets lead to high cholesterol and heart disease. He interviews various experts, including scientists and nutritionists, who provide alternative viewpoints on dietary guidelines and public health recommendations.

The film also addresses the role of personal responsibility in health and nutrition, arguing against the notion that fast-food companies are solely to blame for the obesity epidemic. Naughton emphasizes the importance of individual choices and portion control, demonstrating that it’s possible to maintain a healthy diet even while consuming fast food.

In addition to his personal experiment, Naughton investigates the history of dietary recommendations in the United States, including the development of the food pyramid and its impact on public health. He raises questions about the influence of government policies and special interest groups on nutritional guidelines.

The documentary features interviews with several experts, including Michael Eades, Gary Taubes, and Sally Fallon Morell, who provide insights into alternative nutritional theories and criticisms of mainstream dietary advice. Through these discussions, the film presents a range of perspectives on topics such as low-carb diets, saturated fats, and the role of insulin in weight management.