If you’ve ever considered following a weight loss diet make sure you have all the facts first. Kerry Torrens (MBANT) shares her expert opinion on the Fast 800 diet and how it can be beneficial for your health and well-being. Michael Mosley’s new diet has made recent headlines which have linked the regime with various health benefits.

What is the Fast 800 diet?

Developed by Dr Michael Mosley of BBC Two’s Trust Me, I’m a Doctor

  • Claims to potentially cut your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer
  • The diet is aimed at those wishing to lose weight, especially if they carry excess abdominal fat, as well as those with blood sugar issues
  • Michael designed the diet based on research performed by Professor Roy Taylor of Newcastle University

Who shouldn’t follow the Fast 800 diet?

Refer to your doctor or healthcare professional before starting a new dietary regime.

  • The Fast 800 Diet is not recommended for people who are underweight, have an eating disorder, are type 1 diabetics, have had a heart condition, or are recovering from surgery.

What does the Fast 800 diet involve?

Stage one is designed to switch the body from burning sugar to burning fat by prompting mild ketosis

  • The second stage involves intermittent fasting, restricting calories to 800 a day for two days of the week, then eating a healthy, lower carb Mediterranean diet for the remaining five days
  • Once you’ve achieved your goal weight, you enter the maintenance phase, where you’ll continue with the Mediterranean style of eating, following a low sugar diet with limited amounts of starchy carbs, with a weekly fast day

Is the Fast 800 diet effective for weight loss?

VLCD, those supplying 800 calories or less, can lead to rapid weight loss, but may not be suitable or safe for everyone.

  • The NHS advise that for the majority of us to lose weight in a safe and sustainable way, we should reduce our calorie intake to 1,900 calories for men and 1,400 calories for women
  • Stage two of the plan offers a more sustainable period from which to progress weight loss at a slower rate

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