Dr Jack Mosley, the son of the late TV doctor Michael Mosley, has spoken publicly for the first time about the family's grief and the unexpected comfort they have found in continuing his father's health legacy. Dr Michael Mosley died at age 67 in June 2024 after going missing during a walk on the Greek island of Symi. His body was discovered four days later following a major search.
Overwhelming Public Response
In an interview with The Telegraph, Dr Jack Mosley said that he and his mother, Dr Clare Bailey Mosley, received thousands of messages from people whose lives had been changed by Michael Mosley's work. "They spoke of reversing their diabetes, or dramatically improving their health, by following his Fast 800 plan... or his 5:2 diet," he recalled. "We were blown away by the outpouring."
The family discussed how to honor the so-called "Mosley mission" to improve the nation's metabolic health. "Continuing dad's legacy has become part of the grieving process. Being able to be connected to him through that work has been important," Jack said.
Continuing the Mission
Jack, who founded the Nutritional Medicine Society while training as a doctor and completed a master's degree in diabetes research, said the work felt like a natural fit. He worked with Professor Roy Taylor, whose research showed that a very low-calorie diet could send type 2 diabetes into remission.
Studies since then have suggested that eating 800 to 1,000 calories a day for up to three months may offer benefits beyond rapid weight loss, including improvements in cardiovascular health, gum disease, and inflammation. Research has also linked substantial weight loss with a greater chance of reversing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Michael Mosley famously reversed his own type 2 diabetes by following an 800-calorie diet on two days each week and eating normally on the remaining five, popularizing the 5:2 diet. Jack stressed that anyone with diabetes or taking medication should consult a doctor before attempting a low-calorie diet.
Inquest and Cause of Death
An inquest into Dr Mosley's death in December 2024 returned an open conclusion after senior coroner Crispin Butler said the exact cause could not be determined. The coroner ruled that death was "indeterminate" and "unascertainable," most likely due to either accidental heatstroke or an unidentified pathological cause. There was no evidence of homicide, suicide, or injury-related accident.
Dr Mosley disappeared on June 5, 2024, after setting off on a walk on Symi while on holiday with family and friends. His body was found four days later.
