Speaking during an appearance on the breakfast television show Studio 10 in 2019, Dr Mosley discussed why rapid weight loss techniques can be more effective than other methods.
“The scientists have been telling me for some time now that you can be better off doing a rapid weight loss diet,” he said.
He referenced two significant UK studies that examined the effectiveness of rapid versus long-term weight loss techniques in groups of more than 300 people.
One group was allocated a rapid weight loss diet and the other a standard, slower-paced plan.
“It was those that did the rapid weight loss that lost the most weight – 10kg sustained over two years. The other lot didn’t lose much weight and they put it on again,” he explained. “So it turns what you believe on its head.”
Earlier this year, Dr Mosley – who has authored several books including The Fast Diet and The 8-Week Blood Sugar Diet – advised those looking to lose weight to cut back on three key foods; sugar, starchy carbohydrates and processed snacks.
The 65-year-old said those hoping to slim down should take care to cut back on sugary treats and drinks, starchy carbs including white bread and pasta, and processed foods such as chicken nuggets, chips, sweets and crisps. Instead, he recommended filling up on wholegrains and legumes, nuts, lean protein and oily fish, and fruits and vegetables.
The celebrity doctor has hailed the Mediterranean diet as “the best diet to follow” for those wanting to lose weight and keep healthy.
Dr Mosley’s famed 5:2 diet involves eating healthily and without caloric restriction for five days a week, but reducing your caloric intake to a quarter of your daily needs – about 500 to 600 calories a day – for the remaining two.
To super-charge the diet, he recommends opting for a Mediterranean-style diet on both fasting and non-fasting days, incorporating healthy fats with olive oil, nuts, eggs,yoghurt and oily fish. On the fasting days, he advises filling up on vegetables and protein to stay satiated.
Of course, people should always seek advice from their GP before changing their diets.
