The Shocking Diagnosis at Day 18
In the documentary That Sugar Film, filmmaker Damon Gameau embarked on a high-sugar, low-fat diet, consuming 40 teaspoons of sugar per day, sourced exclusively from perceived "healthy" processed foods like fruit juice, cereals, and low-fat yogurt. The initial health assessment at the beginning of the experiment showed he was in excellent physical condition. However, just 18 days into the diet, a blood test revealed alarming results.
Gameau was diagnosed with the early stages of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This rapid onset of liver damage shocked both Gameau and the medical professionals monitoring his experiment. The diagnosis was a pivotal moment in the film, underscoring the severity of the sugar overload on his system. Fructose, a major component of sucrose (table sugar), is metabolized almost entirely by the liver, and when consumed in excess, it forces the liver to work overtime, converting the sugar to fat. This is precisely what led to the fat accumulation in Gameau's liver cells in less than three weeks.
The Mechanism Behind Sugar-Induced Liver Damage
Fatty liver disease occurs when triglycerides accumulate in the liver's cells, leading to inflammation and potential scarring. In the context of Gameau's experiment, the rapid development of this condition can be attributed to the unique way the body processes fructose. Unlike glucose, which can be used for energy by nearly every cell, fructose can only be processed by the liver. When the liver is inundated with more fructose than it can handle, it has no choice but to convert the excess into fat for storage.
The standard American or Australian diet, often featuring high amounts of processed food, subjects the liver to a constant deluge of fructose. The body is not designed to handle such a large and continuous intake. Gameau's experiment vividly demonstrated this overload effect. Even though his daily calorie intake remained constant, the shift from a whole-foods diet to one rich in hidden sugars was enough to cause significant metabolic dysfunction.
Comparing Liver Health on a Standard Diet vs. High-Sugar Diet
| Metric | Pre-Experiment (Healthy) | After 18 Days (High-Sugar) |
|---|---|---|
| Liver Status | Optimal function | Early-stage Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) |
| Weight Gain | No significant change | Started gaining weight; gained 3kg in 12 days |
| Visceral Fat | Healthy levels | Visceral fat accumulation began |
| Energy Levels | High and stable | Significant fatigue and mood swings |
| Blood Test Markers | Healthy liver enzyme levels | Signs of damaged liver cells |
Beyond the Liver: Other Health Impacts
While the liver damage was one of the most shocking outcomes, Gameau's experiment documented a cascade of other negative health effects. These included:
- Significant Weight Gain: Despite not increasing his overall calorie count, Gameau gained weight rapidly, particularly around the midsection.
- Mood Swings: The constant sugar highs and crashes led to erratic mood swings and poor concentration.
- Energy Fluctuations: Gameau experienced lethargy and decreased motivation, a stark contrast to his previous high-energy state.
- Increased Visceral Fat: The accumulation of dangerous visceral fat around his organs was documented, a major risk factor for chronic diseases.
- Prediabetes Symptoms: By the end of the full 60-day experiment, he showed signs of pre-type 2 diabetes.
What does this mean for consumers?
The experiment in That Sugar Film provides a stark warning about the dangers of hidden sugars in processed foods. Manufacturers often disguise large amounts of sugar in products marketed as "healthy" or "low-fat". This practice can trick consumers into overconsumption, leading to health problems like NAFLD even in non-obese individuals—a condition dubbed "Thin Outside, Fat Inside" (TOFI). The findings emphasize the importance of reading food labels carefully and understanding that just because a food is low in fat, it does not mean it is healthy. Gameau's story is a powerful reminder that our bodies are not equipped to handle the high volumes of refined sugar found in modern diets.
Conclusion
What happened to his liver after 18 days That Sugar Film? The answer is a startling example of the body's rapid reaction to a high-sugar diet. Damon Gameau developed the beginnings of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, illustrating that harmful metabolic changes can occur much faster than many people realize. His experience serves as a powerful cautionary tale, highlighting how excessive hidden sugars in everyday processed foods can have severe health consequences, regardless of total calorie intake or exercise level. It's a vivid reminder to prioritize whole, unprocessed foods over manufactured, low-fat alternatives to protect long-term health.
For more insight into the dangers of a high-sugar diet and the benefits of cutting out processed sugar, watch the official trailer for the documentary on Vimeo: That Sugar Film.
