Millions are turning to intermittent fasting, particularly the Fast 800 diet, inspired by the late Dr. Michael Mosley, to achieve weight loss and improve health. This article explores the potential benefits and risks of intermittent fasting, drawing on expert insights and research findings.
With one month of 2025 already complete, many people across Ireland are reflecting on their New Year's resolutions, particularly those focused on health and fitness. The start of the year is often seen as a fresh opportunity to tackle weight loss goals, and for many, it's also a chance to improve health conditions, such as type-2 diabetes.
With dieting trends continuously rising in popularity, one method that has gained significant attention is intermittent fasting, particularly the Fast 800 diet, which has helped people shed pounds and even reverse diabetes. Dr Michael Mosley, who focused on health, weight loss and exercise, inspired millions of people across the world before he sadly passed away in 2024. The TV doctor was a huge advocate for intermittent fasting - a method where people eat significantly fewer calories on certain days to help lose weight and improve health. The Fast 800 diet, also known as the 5:2 diet, was created as part of his personal journey to lower his blood pressure, lose weight and reverse his type-2 diabetes, Surrey Live reports. In just 12 weeks, Dr Mosley lost nearly 20 pounds (9kg) and reversed his diabetes. According to Ireland's HSE: 'Weight management is important in the management of Type 2 Diabetes. For an individual with diabetes, the benefits of a 10% reduction in body weight include: 30% drop in diabetes-related death; 50% drop in fasting blood glucose; 10mmHg drop in blood pressure; 30% drop in triglycerides; 15% drop in LDL cholesterol; 10% drop in total cholesterol; and 8% drop in HDL cholesterol.' However it added: 'It is important to be realistic when discussing weight loss. Firstly, stop further weight gain, then aim for 5 to 10% weight reduction of original weight - with a maximum weekly weight-loss of 0.5-1kg.' The Fast 800's Instagram, the team explained: 'Our co-founder Dr Michael Mosley is best known for creating the 5:2™ diet, with which he lost nearly 20 pounds (9kg) in 12 weeks and reversed his diabetes. 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.' Dr Mosley previously described the approach as simple yet effective. Speaking on the Fast Diet website, he said: '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.' It is important to approach any diet or health regime with caution, especially when it comes to drastic changes or quick fixes. Consulting with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet is crucial for ensuring it's right for your individual needs. What is intermittent fasting? Intermittent fasting, a method Dr Mosley popularised, has since been embraced by millions, including some in Ireland, as a way to lose weight and improve overall health. Niamh Hennessy, lead dietician at 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. '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 asked if it leads to weight loss, she added: '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 while 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.' She added that the evidence does suggest it is safe for adults, although she said that more research needed to be done in this field. This was backed by a 2016 study, which said there was no evidence that it was harmful, and 'almost any intermittent fasting regimen can result in some weight loss'. It said 11 of 13 reviews concluded that it resulted in weight los
INTERMITTENT FASTING FAST 800 WEIGHT LOSS DIABETES DR MICHAEL MOSLEY HEALTHY LIVING
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