Dr Michael Mosley became a much-loved regular on our TV screens, and was known for his work on health, especially weight loss and exercise, and inspired millions
Dr Michael Mosley(Image: Getty Images)
A dietary approach championed by the late Dr Michael Mosley can not only assist with weight loss – but potentially reverse diabetes. Dr Mosley became a beloved fixture on British television screens.
Specialising in health matters, particularly weight management and fitness, he motivated millions before his tragic death in 2024. Throughout his career, he became a passionate proponent of intermittent fasting, whereby individuals consume considerably fewer calories on specific days.
In a bid to reduce his blood pressure, shed excess weight, and reverse his type-2 diabetes, Dr Mosley embarked on the Fast 800 Diet, also referred to as the 5:2 diet. The regime enabled him to shed nearly 20 pounds (9kg) in 12 weeks and reverse his diabetes.
The Fast 800 shared on Instagram: “Our co-founder Dr Michael Mosley is best known for creating the 5:2TM diet, with which he lost nearly 20 pounds (9kg) in 12 weeks and reversed his diabetes.”
The late Dr Michael Mosley lost nearly 20 pounds and reverse his type 2 diabetes(Image: PA)
“On the 5:2 diet you intermittent fast two days of the week eating 800 calories, the rest of the week you eat without calorie restrictions, simply following a med-style diet, and sensible portions.”
On the Fast Diet website, Dr Mosley had previously explained: “Since you are only fasting for two days of your choice each week, and eating normally on the other five days, there is always something new and tasty on the near horizon. In short, it’s easy to comply with a regime that only asks you to restrict your calorie intake occasionally. It recalibrates the diet equation, and stacks the odds in your favour.
“Bear in mind that the programme is designed as a well-signposted path towards a longer, healthier life; weight loss is simply a happy adjunct to all of that.”
What is intermittent fasting?
Intermittent fasting has surged in popularity since Dr Mosley brought it into the mainstream, reports Surrey Live.
Niamh Hennessy, lead dietician at the Cromwell Hospital, explained: “The idea behind intermittent fasting is that it gives your body a break from digesting food. This can potentially lead you to have less calories than if you were eating more regularly. Also, eating less often can have positive effects on your blood sugar levels which can be useful if you have prediabetes or type two diabetes.
Some studies have suggested intermittent fasting can have health benefits
“Intermittent fasting may also trigger a process called autophagy. This is where your body works to remove damaged cells from your body. Your body does this when it doesn’t have to focus on digesting food. There is some evidence to show that autophagy can reduce your risk of cancer and other chronic diseases, but more evidence is needed.”
When questioned about whether it promotes weight loss, she explained: “It might do. In several short-term studies, people did lose weight when they tried intermittent fasting. This is because you would likely be having less calories overall. But for some people, intermittent fasting can lead to overeating.
“This is because when you go without eating for a whilst your body makes more of the hunger hormone ghrelin. This can lead you to eat lots when you break your fast. So, eating healthily and being aware of how many calories you have is still important if you choose to try IF.”
Dr Michael Mosley is the creator of The Fast 800 intermittent-fasting plan(Image: Jennifer Delaney)
She noted that whilst evidence indicates it appears safe for adults, further research in this area is required. This was supported by a 2016 study, which found no evidence of harm, stating that ‘almost any intermittent fasting regimen can result in some weight loss’.
The study reported that 11 of 13 reviews determined it led to weight loss.
It further noted that three additional studies showed decreases in glucose and insulin levels, and that ‘modified alternate day fasting regimens result in reduced weight’.
However, it also observed: “Research to date has not demonstrated that alternate day fasting regimens produce superior weight loss in comparison to standard, continuous calorie restriction weight loss plans.”
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