This archive report was first published on 16 September 2019.
The Game Changers: A Fact-Checked Review ¶
Released in 2018, The Game Changers documentary has sparked a heated debate about the benefits of a plant-based diet. Produced by James Cameron, the film argues that consuming animal products can hinder athletic performance, increase the risk of heart disease, and even lead to an early death.
Former MMA fighter James Wilks narrates his personal journey of switching from a meat-based diet to a plant-based one, citing scientific research and interviewing medical experts along the way. However, a closer examination of the film's claims reveals several instances of misleading or inaccurate information.
One of the most glaring issues is the film's reliance on a single, un-peer-reviewed study about Roman gladiators. The study, written by Andrew Curry for Archaeology magazine, suggests that gladiators ate a vegetarian diet rich in carbohydrates. However, this study is not a scientific study, but rather a narrative piece that has been misinterpreted and presented as fact.
Wilks also cites several studies that feature small sample sizes and then extrapolates broad generalizations. For example, he claims that cow's milk can increase estrogen and lower testosterone in men, citing a 2010 study published in Pediatrics International. However, the study was conducted using the milk of pregnant cows and involved only 18 participants, seven of whom were men.
Furthermore, Wilks argues that the meat industry funds scientific research to bury the benefits of plant-based diets. While this is a fair point, he fails to acknowledge that his own film is also guilty of this same practice. The film cites a study on the benefits of avocados, which was supported by the Hass Avocado Board.
Additionally, the film presents a host of deadly toxins inherent to all animal products, claiming that they are as dangerous as cigarettes. However, the scientific understanding of these compounds is far less studied than the film suggests, and the claims made about their risks are often exaggerated or inaccurate.
Overall, while The Game Changers documentary presents a compelling case for a plant-based diet, its claims are not without controversy. A fact-check reveals several instances of misleading or inaccurate information, and viewers should approach the film's claims with a critical eye.
