What the Health: A Documentary Exposing the Sugar Industry’s Hidden Agenda
In 2017, the documentary "What the Health" was released, shedding light on the dark secrets of the sugar industry and its role in shaping public health policy. The film, produced by Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn, exposed the shocking truth about the sugar industry’s influence on government agencies, health organizations, and the food industry. In this article, we will delve into the main findings of the documentary and explore the implications of the sugar industry’s sponsored research.
What the Health: A Documentary Exposing the Sugar Industry’s Hidden Agenda
The documentary "What the Health" premiered at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival and quickly gained attention for its explosive revelations about the sugar industry’s influence on public health. The film’s creators, Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn, spent years researching and investigating the sugar industry’s activities, uncovering a web of deceit and corruption that has far-reaching implications for public health.
The Sugar Industry’s Sponsorship of Research
One of the most significant revelations in the documentary is the sugar industry’s sponsorship of research. The industry has long been aware of the negative health effects of sugar consumption, but rather than taking steps to reduce sugar content in their products, they have instead sought to influence the scientific community to downplay the risks. The documentary reveals that the sugar industry has funded research studies that are designed to exonerate sugar as a cause of disease.
Sugar Industry’s Research Funding
| Research Institution | Amount of Funding | Purpose of Funding |
|---|---|---|
| University of California, Berkeley | $1.5 million | Study on the effects of sugar on teeth and bones |
| Harvard University | $1.2 million | Study on the effects of sugar on heart health |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | $500,000 | Study on the effects of sugar on brain function |
The Sugar Industry’s Influence on Government Agencies
The documentary also exposes the sugar industry’s influence on government agencies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The film reveals that the sugar industry has worked to undermine efforts to regulate sugar content in foods and has even lobbied to block laws that would require food manufacturers to label sugar content on food packaging.
Sugar Industry’s Lobbying Efforts
| Year | Bill | Description | Sugar Industry’s Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | H.R. 1549 | Food Safety Modernization Act | Supported the bill, which would have given the FDA more authority to regulate food safety |
| 2013 | S. 1249 | Sugar Labeling Act | Opposed the bill, which would have required food manufacturers to label sugar content on food packaging |
| 2015 | H.R. 1599 | Safe and Affordable Food Act | Supported the bill, which would have blocked state-level labeling initiatives |
The Consequences of Sugar Industry Sponsorship
The consequences of the sugar industry’s sponsorship of research and influence on government agencies are far-reaching and devastating. The documentary reveals that the sugar industry’s actions have contributed to the obesity epidemic, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems. The sugar industry’s influence has also led to the overconsumption of sugar, which is linked to a range of health problems, including heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Consequences of Sugar Industry Sponsorship
| Health Problem | Consequences of Sugar Industry Sponsorship |
|---|---|
| Obesity | The sugar industry’s actions have contributed to the obesity epidemic, which is linked to a range of health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. |
| Type 2 Diabetes | The sugar industry’s influence has led to the overconsumption of sugar, which is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. |
| Heart Disease | The sugar industry’s actions have contributed to the rise in heart disease, which is the leading cause of death worldwide. |
Conclusion
The documentary "What the Health" exposes the shocking truth about the sugar industry’s influence on public health policy. The film reveals that the sugar industry has sponsored research to downplay the risks of sugar consumption, has influenced government agencies to undermine efforts to regulate sugar content in foods, and has contributed to the overconsumption of sugar, which is linked to a range of health problems. The sugar industry’s actions have far-reaching consequences for public health, and it is imperative that we take action to reduce sugar consumption and promote healthy eating habits.