Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead

A 2010 American documentary film directed by Joe Cross and Kurt Engfehr, chronicling Australian Joe Cross's 60-day journey across the United States as he undertakes a strict diet consisting solely of freshly extracted fruit and vegetable juices to regain his health. At the start of the film, Cross weighs 310 pounds and suffers from an autoimmune disease requiring steroid medication. Frustrated with conventional medicine, he decides to test the healing power of natural nutrition. During his journey, Cross meets numerous individuals with whom he discusses issues of diet and health. In Arizona, he encounters Phil Staples, a 429-pound truck driver from Iowa suffering from the same condition. Inspired by Cross's achievements, Phil decides to follow his example and embarks on his own juice fasting journey. The film provides a detailed account of the physical and emotional transformations experienced by both men and highlights the broader issues of obesity and unhealthy eating habits in modern society. By the end of his 60-day fast, Cross loses approximately 100 pounds and discontinues all medications, transitioning to a balanced plant-based diet. Phil also achieves significant weight loss and health improvements. The film received critical acclaim, winning the Turning Point Award and sharing the Audience Choice Award at the 2010 Sonoma International Film Festival. In 2014, a sequel titled "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead 2" was released, documenting Cross's continued efforts and those of others in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.​