British comedian Mo Gilligan has explored the significant health consequences of a diet consisting solely of fried chicken in his new Netflix documentary, "Big Chicken: A Fast Food Conspiracy." Over 28 days, Gilligan consumed 84 portions of fried chicken for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a dietary experiment that led to weight gain, an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, and negative impacts on his mental health.
The documentary, released by Netflix, mirrors the format of Morgan Spurlock's 2004 film "Super Size Me," in which the late filmmaker documented his own month-long experiment eating exclusively McDonald's. Spurlock's film resulted in him gaining nearly 25 pounds, experiencing elevated cholesterol levels, liver fat accumulation, depression, and fatigue.
Gilligan, who grew up considering fried chicken a favorite treat, found his initial enthusiasm waned throughout the experiment. Upon completion, he weighed in at 95.15kg (approximately 210 pounds), having gained three kilograms (about 6.6 pounds). His waistline also increased by 1.5 inches (3.8 cm).
Consulting with Dr. Enam Abood, Gilligan learned about the toll the high-calorie, ultra-processed diet had taken on his body. The comedian was particularly warned about the risk of Type 2 diabetes, a condition he may be genetically predisposed to due to his mother having the illness. His diabetes test results increased from 30 to 32 in less than a month, a change Dr. Abood attributed directly to his diet. The physician noted that continuing such eating habits would significantly increase his risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, a condition that can lead to serious complications including blindness, limb loss, and heart and brain issues.
Beyond the physical toll, Gilligan reported significant mental health effects. He described experiencing mood swings and unexplained crying spells, expressing concern that these emotional impacts occurred after only 28 days of the restrictive diet.
"Big Chicken: A Fast Food Conspiracy" also delves into the broader issues within the intensive poultry farming industry that supplies the demand for fried chicken, with billions of portions consumed globally each year. The film includes undercover footage of chickens in crowded farming conditions and touches upon unexpected ingredients found in the fast food, including a reference to a lubricant used in condoms also being used in chicken burgers.
The documentary highlights the pervasive nature of the fried chicken industry, with an estimated 6,000 takeaways in the UK alone dedicated to the dish, and consumers spending approximately £12 million daily on it. The film, produced by Louis Theroux's production company Mindhouse, follows Gilligan's journey from south London to the United States as he investigates the cultural and health impacts of this popular fast food.