Dr Michael Mosley has outlined the benefits of a popular diet that involves fasting for two days a week.
In a new article on Dr Mosley’s Fast 800 website, the health guru shared the 5:2 diet has been found to offer the same health benefits as continuous calorie restriction.
What’s more, this eating regimen could also help reverse type 2 diabetes.
Dr Mosley first introduced the concept in his BBC documentary Eat, Fast, and Live Longer in 2012, as well as his subsequent book The Fast Diet.
He explored the potential health benefits of intermittent fasting, looking at various scientific studies and his personal experiences with fasting. He cemented the 5:2 diet as a simple and flexible approach to intermittent fasting.
This fasting approach requires individuals to eat normally for five days a week and then restrict calorie intake on the remaining two days. It also involves consuming 800 calories two days a week, known as fasting days, and eating a balanced diet without calorie counting on the other five days.
On non-fasting days, it’s recommended to follow sensible portion control and eat Mediterranean-style meals, as junk food and ultra-processed food will negate the benefits.
On fasting days, people usually choose to either eat three small meals or two larger meals – prioritising eating protein, fibre and healthy fats to stay properly nourished and energised.
During the fast, the body enters a state of ketosis, where it switches to burning fat for fuel rather than glucose found in carbohydrates.
The 5:2 diet has been linked to some potential health benefits, including weight loss, improved metabolic health, and longevity.
What’s more, Dr Mosley managed to reverse his type 2 diabetes with this approach. In fact, he had lost nearly nine kilograms (20lbs) and brought his blood sugars back to a healthy range within 12 weeks of following the dietary protocol.
The doctor shared that the diet reduces blood sugar levels, may reduce the risk of some cancers, can be more effective for weight loss than continuous calorie restriction, may delay neurological disorders such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease and even cut the risk of cardiovascular disease.
