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Dr Michael Mosley sadly passed away last year(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\nHere’s all you need to know about the diet that is perfect for those wanting to lose weight while boosting healthDr Michael Mosley sadly passed away last year(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
It’s now been over a year since the tragic passing of Dr Michael Mosley<\/a>. The esteemed medical expert sadly passed away during a holiday on the Greek island of Symi<\/a>.<\/p>\n The 67-year-old TV star was famed for his knowledge of nutrition <\/a>and diet plans<\/a>. He helped ordinary people and celebrities alike in shedding weight while improving their long-term health. One renowned dietary programme was the 5:2 diet, which he crafted with his wife, Dr Clare Bailey Mosley<\/a>, in a bid to make dieting straightforward for all.<\/p>\n Despite Dr Mosley’s heartbreaking death, the profound influence of his work still continues, with his family having now set up a research fund in his honour.<\/p>\n But what exactly is the 5:2 diet, and how can it assist you? If it’s something you’d be eager to delve into, look no further. Mirror<\/a> has gathered everything you need to know about the popular regime.<\/p>\n The 5:2 diet plan<\/a> is tailored to aid anyone seeking an effective yet gradual method to lose weight. It entails eating normally for five days and cutting back on intake for two, often referred to as ‘fasting’ days.<\/p>\n Embracing Mediterranean-style food is also recommended every day, as new research<\/a> suggests it provides more health benefits than traditional Western diet staples. Specialists at Healthline <\/a>have explained: “One common way of planning the week is to fast on Mondays and Thursdays, with two or three small meals, then eat normally for the rest of the week.<\/p>\n “It\u2019s important to emphasise that eating ‘normally’ does not mean you can eat anything. If you eat too much junk food, then you probably won\u2019t lose any weight, and you may even gain weight.”<\/p>\n It’s believed the 5:2 has helped countless people worldwide lose weight and maintain long-term health. This notably includes Martin Clunes, the beloved actor best known for his role in ITV’s Doc Martin.<\/p>\n Back in 2017, the now 63-year-old star said he’d achieved his goal of a three-stone weight loss<\/a> in just three months, largely thanks to the 5:2 diet. “I was fat \u2013 and while I was getting heavy, I had tired knees and stuff,” he told MailOnline<\/a> at the time.<\/p>\n “So I thought I\u2019d try that diet, and the weight came off. I lost about three stone in as many months. It\u2019s great \u2013 and it\u2019s supposed to be good for cholesterol, too.”<\/p>\n While there’s limited research specifically on the 5:2 diet, academic studies have acknowledged the benefits of intermittent fasting. These extend beyond weight control<\/a>, with scientists highlighting its potential role in preventing chronic illnesses, too.<\/p>\n Following a study in 2021, Dr Benjamin Horne at the Intermountain Healthcare Heart Institute<\/a>, said: “Inflammation is associated with a higher risk of developing multiple chronic diseases, including diabetes and heart disease. We\u2019re encouraged to see evidence that intermittent fasting is prompting the body to fight inflammation and lowering those risks.”<\/p>\n READ MORE: BBC The Celebrity Traitors release date confirmed in first look teaser<\/a><\/p>\n According to the Mirror<\/a>, he later added: “The best routine is one that patients can stick to over the long term, and this study shows that even occasional fasting can have positive health effects.”<\/p>\n It’s also worth highlighting that Mediterranean-style eating plans beyond the 5:2 approach have attracted considerable interest for their potential health advantages. These perks likewise stretch far beyond simply shedding pounds.<\/p>\n For example, last year, the Autonomous University of Barcelona<\/a> identified garlic, saffron, olives, rosemary, and grapes amongst the Mediterranean foods containing ‘active components’ that could prove beneficial for cardiovascular wellness. Meanwhile, separate research from Tulane University<\/a> discovered that Mediterranean eating patterns might be linked to a dramatically reduced dementia risk.<\/p>\n “Our findings suggest that the Mediterranean diet or its biological effects could be harnessed to improve scholastic performance in adolescents, or work performance in young adults,” corresponding author Dr Demetrius Maraganore<\/a> at Tulane University said at the time.<\/p>\n “While these findings are based on animal models, they echo human studies linking the Mediterranean diet to improved memory and reduced dementia risk.”<\/p>\n Is the 5:2 suitable for everyone?<\/p>\n![\"Young](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/0_woman-takes-fresh-organic-vegetables.jpg\")
The 5:2 diet plan is tailored to aid anyone seeking an effective yet gradual method to lose weight(Image: Maria Korneeva via Getty Images)What is the 5:2 diet?<\/p>\n![\"Actor](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/0_GettyImages-1313973439.jpg\")
Martin Clunes, known for his role in Doc Martin, previously said he’d achieved his goal of a three-stone weight loss in just three months(Image: Rod Ebdon\/TV Times\/Future Publishing via Getty Images)Who has it helped?<\/p>\n