Director Louie Psihoyos brings us a very interesting and informative reality TV show that goes down very different paths throughout its runtime to figure out how certain foods and exercise routines can change the body with the help of 4 sets of identical twins. The series has 4 episodes, each with a runtime of 45 minutes.
There is a very light, fun vibe to this documentary limited series when you start it off. Several identical twins get together, and everyone seems to be in a very good mood. That vibe continues throughout the runtime of the series, and it’s quite infectious. This part comes into play later on as it really juxtaposes the other, more intense part of the series and leaves you feeling a tiny bit more happy in different ways. The participants of the experiment are relatable, fun people, although I must say that there are moments wherein some of the moments showcased in their natural habitats feel a bit forced and scripted.
The other side of the docuseries is the discussion surrounding the food industry and how meat consumption is causing devastating changes in the climate. Most people nowadays portray the meat eating vs vegan diets as some big fight, but the docuseries, using experts and facts, break down why meat eating is causing more devastation to the environment than the global transport sector. It also breaks down other shocking things that one might not be privy to, making the “fight” feel a little silly. I mean, if eating processed meat is going to give me colon cancer, then you bet I would like to know about it!
The series isn’t just a frame-after-frame following of the twins. In fact, a good chunk of the runtime discusses these various aspects of food, culture, politics and the environment, and it’s quite interesting to watch. The previously mentioned fun vibes break down the tenseness of the facts that we face and help us feel a little bit less stressed. However, in spite of making us feel scared, it’s still the reality of our lives and a shocking one at that!
The docuseries addresses that the problem isn’t the meat-eating per se; it’s the inhumane way the meat is produced and bred in huge industrial buildings that have no interest in keeping people safe. It shows the different sides to these buildings and how inhumane and horrible inside these buildings are, and honestly, my heart hurt watching not just the horrible treatment of innocent animals but the absolute filth that they grow up in. Of course, there’s more that is addressed, which is for you to watch and feel scared about.
In the end, You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment is much more than the experiment. It’s a PSA about the environment and absolutely horrid things that we eat on a daily basis without even knowing it. It’s horrible when you realise that companies who are selling these things have no responsibility towards the population. It’s just shocking.
Meanwhile, the experiment is an eye-opening revelation into how our eating and exercise affect us so deeply. I mean, it’s not an unknown fact, of course, but to see it happening in front of our eyes quickly and with science backing it up is really interesting and makes you want to eat healthy as well. The series strikes a good balance and takes it home with the experiment, making the viewers want to become healthier and at least try to look for cleaner modes of eating.
ETA: It’s actually interesting to note that the documentary, in spite of going so deep into the food industry, doesn’t showcase the issues of plant-based diets, especially how alternatives to meat are quite expensive and how it might not be an option for lower-income families. It also does not address the demerits and the issues surrounding plant farming because it feels a little too much to think that sustaining a vegetarian/vegan diet for the millions inhabiting the Earth is going to be a piece of cake. What I am trying to say is that the documentary felt a little biased, and a balanced discussion surrounding the pros and cons of both meat and plant-based diets would’ve been a more accepting and less inflammatory approach.
You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment Final Thoughts
This docuseries is a very shocking, interesting and extremely crucial discussion surrounding health and wellness. The series brings forth how different things all work together to eventually destroy us from the inside and take the environment with it. It’s honestly chilling. I think the experiment is a part of the overall discussions surrounding how we need to change our diets to stay healthy and never tries to be something more than a visual representation of the facts and figures that might bore or incite others. Other than some repeated words, scenes and phrases awkwardly peppered in the series, I found it a great watch that gives you a lot to think about.
You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment is streaming on Netflix.
I found this biased toward plant food. There was lots of information and some very good arguments for eating less meat which I will be looking into. What wasn’t explored is the plant growing impact: less meat eaten equals more fruit, legumes and veg therefore, the costs, use of fertiliser, land required, the environmental impact of transporting fresh fruit and vegetables, all very labour intensive. Countries with short growing seasons/drought. Soya production and avocado growth – the water needed plus all the additives to give flavour. This debate has to be fully researched and all information has to be there (including the effects of poverty, race and education) so the right choices can be made. In the UK, sales of plant based foods are falling and farmers struggle for labour. We need our governments to lead us by getting the right information out to us without misleading corporate lobbying and biased lobbyists.
I agree with you on that!
The other problem is that the show is sponsored by Beyond Meat. So its not an independent and balanced docuseriea but one sided. Many people will fall for the propaganda and end up unhealthy and malnutrioned. Very sad!
Its sponsored by Beyond Meat. So no wonder they would push veganism. Completely biased.