Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead 2

Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead 2 is a 2014 documentary film full of inspiration, empowerment, hope, and health transformations, directed by Kurt Engfehr and starring Joe Cross, Bjarke de Koning, and Carrie Diulus. This film is a sequel to the acclaimed 2010 documentary, Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead, an impactful film that inspired millions to begin their journey towards better health and wellness.

As the name suggests, this sequel continues on from where the first film left off, following the life and experiences of Joe Cross as he seeks to maintain his substantial weight loss and new found healthy lifestyle. Seemingly, it’s about an individual’s battle with weight and health problems, but Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead 2, takes you beyond the personal struggle. It underlines a broader concern, displaying a collective journey to tackle one of the most significant health crises of our era: obesity, chronic illness, and the accessibility and consumption of proper nutrition.

In the first part of the story, we saw Joe embark on a 60-day juice fast to regain control of his health, losing an impressive amount of weight and successfully weaning himself off chronic medicine. He captured a large audience with his clear demonstration of how food could essentially be medicine, providing the body with the nutrients it needs to thrive.

As Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead 2 unfolds, Joe continues to be an advocate for healthier living. However, this film largely branches out from his individual story to encompass wider societal issues. The documentary examines how other people, inspired by Joe's transformation, are seeking to improve their health through similar methods. It underscores both the individual and shared challenges they face. The sequel questions our reliance on processed food and our understanding—or lack thereof—of proper nutrition.

Joe Cross isn’t alone in his quest for healthier living. He is accompanied on this mission by Bjarke de Koning, a successful entrepreneur invested in the health and wellness sector, and Dr. Carrie Diulus, a spine surgeon whose own journey from sickness to health can be a source of inspiration for many. This ensemble of diverse individuals contributes richness and depth to the narrative, offering different perspectives that viewers can connect with.

As the filmmaker delves deeper into the subject matter, it becomes clear that Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead 2 is not just about weight loss or personal health, but also about our food system as a whole and the choices we make as consumers. The film explicitly asks us to reconsider our dietary habits and the societal norms that dictate them. It argues for the benefits of consuming nutrient-filled foods and being aware of where our foods are sourced.

This documentary maintains its predecessor's spirit by being both engaging and educational, offering audiences a chance to reflect on their own dietary choices. In essence, the sequel is a journey through the world of health, and like the original, serves as a tool for audiences to embark on their own transformative journey. It further incites a call to action for personal change and healthier living, but also promotes a shift in societal norms surrounding food and wellness.

Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead 2 is an evolving narrative of hope, perseverance, and the power of food. It offers practical, real-life solutions for sustained health and wellness, and most importantly, it offers the belief that transformation is attainable for anyone seeking it. This film is more than a simple sequel, it serves as a beacon that guides its audience toward better choices and a healthier lifestyle.

While the film is an inspiration, it isn't a prescriptive guide to fasting or weight loss. Instead, it functions primarily as a tool of consciousness-raising, shining a light on our relationships with our bodies, our diets, and our society. It presents an optimistic view of making choices that lead to a healthier and more fulfilled life, individual and collective redemption through conscious eating, and the journey of self-improvement and self-love.

Building on the legacy of its predecessor, Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead 2 is a thought-provoking exploration into the world of health and nutrition, and a compelling continuation of Cross's story. To anyone seeking the motivation to change their eating habits for better health, this film will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration. Its simple message: life, like health, is a journey, and every step towards better health is a step towards a better, fulfilling life.