'They shouldn't screen it. The risk is too great': Paleo Pete's doco under fire again

The AMA is calling for Pete Evans's doco to be axed from Netflix. Photo / Supplied

Paleo Pete Evans has come out swinging as the Australian Medical Association (AMA) renews its attack on his controversial documentary, The Magic Pill.

The doco came under fire when first released last year, but the AMA has put it back in the spotlight after Netflix added it to its content list.

And that's something Evans has no plans to swallow.

The doco, about the ketogenic diet, in which people claim a diet rich in protein and fat but low in carbs can help relieve everything from epilepsy to autism to asthma, has been available since May on the streaming giant.

But the AMA has called on Netflix to pull the doco, narrated and produced by the celeb chef and My Kitchen Rules judge, saying the "risk of misinformation is too great".

New AMA president Dr Tony Bartone said he's worried "vulnerable members of society" — like people with cancer — might believe some of the doco's claims over the advice of health professionals.

"All forms of media have to take a responsible attitude when trying to spread a message of wellness," he told Fairfax.

"Netflix should do the responsible thing. They shouldn't screen it. The risk of misinformation … is too great."

He slammed Evans, saying he respected his "ability and expertise in the kitchen, but that's where it begins and ends".

"I would never dream of telling him how to prepare a meal. However, when it comes to the trusted health of our patients, everyone should turn to a health professional. That is, in the first instance, your GP."

The promotional trailer for The Magic Pill features a woman with cancer who states that her 'tumour started shrinking' and the mother of an epileptic child who says her daughter stopped having seizures after following the diet.

Dr Bartone said while cutting out one or more food groups could result in weight loss it can "make certain other conditions worse".

Evans quickly hit back via posts on Instagram and Facebook, asking if the AMA was scared of people becoming healthy.

"Is the bigger picture for the AMA that this simple approach may actually hurt the industries that rely on a large percentage of the population being sick?

"Perhaps the bigger question to ask would be, 'is the head of the AMA fearful of people in Australia becoming healthy?' What would this mean to their industry," he continued.

"Does the head of the AMA believe that eating vegetables and fruit with a side of well sourced meat/seafood/eggs to be a dangerous way of life? If so can they please share the evidence that this way of eating is detrimental to the health of human beings."

The opening of The Magic Pill contains a note saying exercise, sleep and other lifestyle choices also play an important role in improving a person's overall health and wellbeing and says people should always consult with their doctor or health professional before starting a new diet.

View this post on Instagram

BREAKING NEWS! The new AMA (Australian Medical Association) president wants NETFLIX to remove our film “the magic pill”. Below is my response to the journalist about my thoughts that the AMA want to remove our film...which by the way they cannot! 🙏 Does the head of the AMA believe that eating vegetables and fruit with a side of well sourced meat/seafood/eggs to be a dangerous way of life? If so can they please share the evidence that this way of eating is detrimental to the health of human beings. Perhaps the bigger question to ask would be, “is the head of the AMA fearful of people in Australia becoming healthy? What would this mean to their industry?” Modern medicine is fabulous and vitally needed as we do say in the film, however, when 70-80% of illness is diet/lifestyle related, then shouldn’t prevention be a considered approach? The information that is shared in the film by leading cardiologists, neurologists, doctors and scientists has prevention at the top of their priorities and to be used as an adjunct to modern medicine which then ultimately is a holistic approach. Can you also ask why doctors are not allowed to give dietary advice (please see the recent silencing of dr gary Fettke in Tasmania) yet the head of the AMA who is a doctor, somehow is allowed to speak on this topic with authority, when his counterparts cannot? As for their referrals to dietitians can you also ask why the DAA have multinational food companies as partners....surely this is a conflict of interest? So going back to the initial question, why does the head of the AMA believe that choosing to eat a non inflammatory diet that is promoted by doctors in our film considered dangerous to the humans that choose wisely what they put into their bodies? Time and time again these simple changes have a long lasting sustainable positive impact on people’s lives. Or is the bigger picture for the AMA, that this simple approach may actually hurt the industries that rely on a large % of the population being sick? I am happy to give you the email addresses to the doctors interviewed for any questions you may have. For whole story visit my FB

A post shared by Pete Evans (@chefpeteevans) on Jun 2, 2018 at 3:21pm PDT

In his Facebook response on Sunday, Evans asked why Dr Bartone believed "choosing to eat a non inflammatory diet that is promoted by doctors in our film is considered dangerous to the humans that choose wisely what they put into their bodies?"

The slugfest over The Magic Pill began last year in August when medical professionals first discredited the "science" in the doco and called for it to be axed.

Back then, the AMA's then-boss Dr Michael Gannon tweeted that The Magic Pill was nominated in the "annual awards for the Film/TV least likely to contribute to the #publichealth".

Dr Gannon told The Courier Mail at the time the film's depiction of the high-fat, low-carb diet treating conditions such as autism, diabetes and cancer was "patently ridiculous" and "harmful".

Of the inclusion of The Magic Pill in its line-up, Netflix says it programs "for a wide audience".