Is it true the 5:2 doesn’t work?

The diet created by doctor-turned-journalist Michael Mosley recommends that you eat ‘normally’ five days a week, capping your consumption at 500 calories on two non-consecutive days. According to a clinical trial by Queen Mary University of London in 2021, the 5:2 is no more effective for weight loss than standard GP advice, although it has proved more popular – a result researchers put down to the eating plan’s structure and simplicity.

‘It may be easier for people to understand or explain to others, whether to another peer or a doctor to a patient,’ says GP and health coach Serena Rakha (@fithabitgp), with the caveat that drawbacks include an emphasis on timing over nutrients and restrictions, which could contribute to disordered eating. So, for a more sustainable approach, Dr Rakha recommends focusing on what you can

add to your routine – be that another piece of fruit or a walk. And remember, food is only one part of the body-composition puzzle. ‘There are lots of things that contribute to weight loss, such as fluid intake, sleep and exercise.’ Noted.