Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead (2010)

In Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead, we follow the extraordinary journey of Joe Cross, a 41-year-old Australian battling a life-altering autoimmune disease, amplified by years of poor eating habits that have left him obese and reliant on potent prescription medication. Finding himself at the precipice of despair, staring at his 310-pound reflection, Joe musters the courage to embark on a radical quest to regain his health. Turning his back on conventional medicine, he trades his junk-food existence for a 60-day fresh juice fast, a self-healing experiment conducted under the initial supervision of Dr. Joel Fuhrman, a renowned nutrition specialist, in the heart of New York. The second part of his journey takes him on a road trip to the west coast, armed with a juicer, generator, and a newfound determination to free himself from his medicinal crutches. Throughout this journey, Joe sparks conversations with over 500 Americans, exploring themes of food, health, and longevity. His narrative unravels the stark contrast between those living healthy lives and those teetering on the brink of self-destruction, refusing to change their lifestyle despite the imminent threat to their health. In the midst of his transformation, Joe crosses paths with Siong Norte, a woman plagued by migraines, and more significantly, Phil Staples, a fellow Australian trucker who shares Joe's autoimmune condition. Weighing in at 429 pounds, Phil is a ticking time bomb, his next cheeseburger potentially being his last. Inspired by Joe's journey, Phil embarks on his own path to recovery, creating an inspiring tale of healing and human connection. The film Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead is a riveting blend of personal road trip and self-help manifesto, following two men from different worlds yet linked by common demons. This unconventional documentary captures their parallel journeys towards self-salvation, revealing that sometimes, the only person who can save us is ourselves. It's a testament to the power of determination, the strength of the human spirit, and the profound impact of a single decision.

Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead is a documentary movie featuring Joe Cross and directed by Kurt Engfehr.

Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy, Peacock, Peacock Premium, Plex, Plex Player, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Tubi TV and VUDU Free.

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