The journey of the renowned Dr. Michael Mosley begins again with a new documentary series airing at 8 PM on Monday, July 14, on Channel 4.
This series showcases Dr. Mosley as he journeys around the world, meeting remarkable individuals defying the effects of aging.
Tragically, Dr. Mosley passed away in June 2024 at just 67 years old. His body was discovered on a hillside on the Greek island of Symi, just a short walk from safety. “We’re finding comfort in the fact that he was so close to making it,” his wife, Claire Bailey Mosley, shared in a heartfelt statement. “Our love was profound, and we were incredibly happy together.”
Dr. Mosley was Britain’s favorite doctor during his 25-year career, touching the lives of countless individuals with his passionate advocacy for dietary research and nutritional health. He’s famously recognized for popularizing the 5:2 fasting diet, labeled as “the biggest diet since Atkins,” while also tackling a wide range of health topics, including diabetes and sleep science.
As fans anticipate the upcoming series, let’s revisit some of Dr. Mosley’s most profound reflections.
…on Physical Hunger
“Don’t fret over the occasional pangs of benign hunger — our bodies can go without food for extended periods. We’ve created a habit of misidentifying our feelings, often turning to food when bored, thirsty, or just because it’s routine. Eating has become more about comfort than necessity.”
…on Sleep Needs
“The general consensus is that most adults need roughly seven hours of sleep. However, it’s not just about hitting the sack at eleven and rising at seven—it’s key to consider ‘sleep efficiency’. If you’re awake for even an hour during that time, you only net about six hours. Aim for 80-85% of your time in bed to be spent actually asleep.”
…on Fat Content
“A single pound of fat has more energy content than a pound of dynamite.”
…on the Mediterranean Diet
“The Mediterranean diet is hugely popular, as it can significantly slash the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. But what most don’t associate with this diet are indulgences like pizza and pasta—instead, it promotes wholesome foods like fruits, veggies, oily fish, nuts, and olive oil. Plus, dairy such as yogurt and cheese and even a glass of red wine make occasional appearances. It overcomes starchy carbs too by opting for legumes instead of the usual suspects—cooking up a treat for both your palate and your health.”
…on Weekend Sleeping Habits
“Those delightful weekend lie-ins might feel amazing, but they can hurt your overall health. Sleeping in too late is akin to jet lag and can disturb your sleep cycle. While younger folks rebound effortlessly, maintaining a consistent routine becomes more critical with time.”
…on Rapid Weight Loss
“You might think of it as crash dieting, but effective rapid weight loss can be truly transformative. When done responsibly, it can aid issues like blood sugar problems and even potentially reverse type 2 diabetes.”
…on Waist Measurement
“Keep an eye on your waist size. It’s a solid indicator of your overall health. An easy method is taking a string, measuring it to your height, folding it in half, and checking how it fits around your abdomen. If it doesn’t fit, it’s time to take action.”
…on Relationships
“Men often struggle with forming friendships. When retirement hits, many face loneliness head-on. My dad fell into this trap, spending his days aimlessly on the sofa, which took a toll on his health.”
…on Coffee Consumption
“Caffeine is a useful stimulant but try to avoid it first thing in the morning. Waiting until after breakfast helps prevent a heavy spike in blood sugar.”
…on Longevity
“No man in my family has lived past 72—it’s a daunting reality. While I mirror my father’s appearance, my dedication to health should keep me on a different path.”
…on Receiving a Diabetes Diagnosis
“When my doctor suggested medication for diabetes, I should’ve been prepared. But faced with the knowledge of my father’s fate, it struck hard—I didn’t want to experience what he did, missing out on watching his grandchildren grow.”
…on Managing Skin Care
“At 66, I’ve actively tried various methods to stave off age signs, from Botox to burning my skin with a heating device—all amidst my scientific endeavors. Despite my sun-loving youth, I’ve maintained good skin health through a diet full of colorful veggies, showing real promise through research linking diet to a vibrant complexion.”
…on Protein Intake
“Regardless of your dietary direction, reaching a daily protein goal of 50-60 grams is critical to prevent muscle loss. All essential nutrients matter, so steer clear of restricted fad diets.”
…on His Partner
“Clare is lively and so much more social than I am—often staying out late and bringing energy to our lives. While I churn the ideas, she ensures they come alive in our recipes and shares my passion for how food impacts our health as a practicing GP.”
…on Dining Hours
“Aim to finish your dinner by 8 PM. Eating right before bed can cause leftovers to linger in your system longer than desirable.”
…on Exercise Routine
“I try to get in 30 push-ups daily, following that with squats. Such resistance workouts are amongst the most effective forms for enhancing muscle mass and boosting overall health, especially as you age.”
…on Fermented Foods
“Incorporating legumes, dark chocolates, and various fermented foods like dairy and kimchi into your diet nurtures your gut microbiome.”
…on Gardening
“Gardening not only nurtures your crops but also enriches your gut by connecting you with beneficial soil microbes—often correlating with gardeners’ longer lifespans.”
…on Sugary Foods
“Warding off added sugars is critical. Treat sugary snacks and starchy foods in moderation since they swiftly turn to sugar in your system- keep them to less than twice a week.”
…on Body Fat
“I developed the Blood Sugar Diet after learning I was a type 2 diabetic—despite appearing fine on the outside; inwardly, I was considerably unhealthy as evidenced by fat hidden inside.”
…on Screen Time
“I love my phone for work and entertainment but realize its potential for stealing valuable sleep time. Studies suggest that slicing even just an hour a day can enhance mental well-being and promote an active lifestyle.”
…on Sugar Enjoyment
“Acknowledging the downsides of excessive sugar, it’s still tough for me to resist sweets at home. Recent findings indicate that this craving may be heightened by ‘bad’ gut microbes, which fair fiber can help counter.”
…on Work in Aging
“Being 67 and seeing many friends retire, Clare and I plan to keep working. Why stop? I’m relishing my writing, public engagement, and showcasing my health insights, enjoying every moment of it.”
