What is the 5:2 diet? Michael Mosley's popular diet explained as search continues for missing doctor

Mosley popularised the 5:2 diet, also known as The Fast Diet, a popular intermittent fasting diet.

This dietary approach entails eating normally at certain times and then fasting during other times.

It’s specifically called the 5:2 diet because five days of the week are routine eating days, while the other two restrict calories to 500–600 per day.

Evidence of the benefits of the 5:2 diet is limited but intermittent fasting more broadly has been shown to help with weight loss, and some studies have linked it to lower rates of coronary heart disease and diabetes.

More research is needed before this can be proven.

One important benefit is that intermittent fasting seems to be easier to follow than continuous calorie restriction, at least for some people.

However, the research is conflicting, with some studies noting that intermittent fasting and traditional dieting have similar adherence rates.

Many studies have shown that different types of intermittent fasting may significantly reduce insulin levels, which is key to staving off weight gain and serious health conditions, like heart disease and cance

One study showed that the 5:2 diet caused weight loss similar to regular calorie restriction. Additionally, the diet was very effective at reducing insulin levels and improving insulin sensitivity.

We don’t yet know if this diet can be kept up long-term, how it compares with other weight-loss approaches and what pattern of fasting is most effective.

Several studies have looked into the health effects of modified alternate-day fasting, which is very similar to the 5:2 diet (ultimately, it’s a 4:3 diet).

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

• Why the '100-day' bug on the rise in the UK
  
• The five best supplements for preventing memory loss
• Covid vaccines may have driven up excess deaths

The 4:3 diet may help reduce insulin resistance, asthma, seasonal allergies, heart arrhythmias, menopausal hot flashes, and more, research suggests.

Not everyone can safely fast, so if you are considering it, you should talk to your GP, especially if you have diabetes, advises the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

In the meantime, eating a balanced diet and being more active will help you lose weight steadily and gradually – a weight loss of 1-2 pounds (0.5-1kg) a week is achievable. This is the "safest approach", says the BHF.