Rapid weight loss diets have long been marred with controversy and branded unhealthy, much like crash dieting to shift as much body weight as possible in a short space of time. But Dr Michael Mosley revealed that numerous studies have in fact proven the opposite and explained that if people do it “safely and properly” then they are “much more likely to succeed” than if they followed slower diets.
He referenced research conducted by weight loss specialist Professor Susan Jebb from Oxford University, who found rapid weight loss is the better option.
He said during an interview with the House of Wellness: “I was absolutely gobsmacked when I came across this research.
“Professor Susan Jebb told me that they know that the amount of weight you lose in the first four weeks [of a diet] predicts weight loss the next six months, a year, two years and five years, but rapid weight loss is motivating.”
He recalled she set out to do big trial that would prove rapid weight loss is a “terrible idea”, but she ended up proving the exact opposite.
READ MORE: Diet: Expert warns against common mistake
On his Fast 800 diet, the TV doctor explained the foods are protein-rich as well as high in fibre and healthy fats.
Despite eating 800 calories a day, they are calories well spent in the form of foods that are consumed within a low-carb Mediterranean diet in order to feel full.
If following this weight loss technique, Dr Mosley recommends that adults consume at least 60g of protein daily.
If a person is wanting to burn fat fast, he suggests they up their protein intake to a larger amount.
READ MORE: Michael Mosley weight loss: Remove three foods to stay slim
He also claims that those who eat less than the recommended amount of protein could be harming their metabolic rate.
The diet guru said: “Your body will cannibalise your muscles and your metabolic rate will go down.
“It’s really important to have a decent amount of protein, which is 50-70g a day.
“You can mainly get protein from meat or from fish, and you can also get it from legumes, but you have to eat rather more.”
According to Healthline, a protein-rich diet helps to boost the metabolism as well as lead to an automatic reduction in…