Mother of Two Reverses Diabetes with Dr Michael Mosley's Weight Loss Plan
A Hampshire woman has revealed how following the late Dr Michael Mosley's dietary programme helped her lose 4.5 stone and reverse a potentially life-threatening type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
From Healthy Beginnings to Weight Struggle
Charlene Perry, 37, from Ringwood, Hampshire, enjoyed a wholesome upbringing in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, where her family consumed organic produce and avoided processed foods. "I lived the first half of my life in Kinshasa until age 16," Charlene explained. "The diet there is very different from the UK - organic and wholesome. My grandmother grew vegetables and fruit, and we ate fresh foods like homemade chips from real potatoes."
After moving to the UK as a teenager, Charlene maintained careful eating habits during the era of supermodels Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell. However, her relationship with food and her body changed dramatically after giving birth to her son in April 2017. "By 2020, my weight was completely out of control," she admitted.
The Turning Point: A Diabetes Diagnosis
Working as a Digital Project Support Officer for an NHS organisation in Dorset, Charlene felt increasingly self-conscious about her post-pregnancy weight gain. "I was unhappy and depressed about my weight," said the mother of two, who is married to Gabriel, 43. "I felt alienated from my own body and didn't recognise the person I'd become. Dressing up for occasions made me deeply sad."
The situation became medically serious when Charlene was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in March 2024. With existing high blood pressure from pregnancy and being born with only one kidney, the prognosis was concerning. "If I hadn't made changes, I know my prognosis would have been much worse," she revealed.
Embracing The Fast 800 Programme
Desperate for transformation, Charlene discovered Dr Michael Mosley's Fast 800 online programme, which combines Mediterranean-style eating with intermittent fasting. "I decided to try it because I was scared of the outcome if I didn't change," she explained. "The diabetes diagnosis meant I didn't have much to think about - I knew I needed to sort out my weight."
Her new regimen involved:
- Daily intermittent fasting between 16 and 22 hours
- Consuming approximately 800 calories initially
- Following a high-protein diet
- Drinking 3-4 litres of water daily
- Abstaining from alcohol for extended periods
- Incorporating black coffee during fasting windows
"For the first 16 to 20 weeks, I followed the 800-calorie approach and adjusted as I began seeing benefits," Charlene noted. She supplemented the programme with extensive reading of Mosley's books, including The Blood Sugar Diet and The Fast 800, to understand the scientific principles behind the method.
Remarkable Physical Transformation
Charlene's commitment yielded extraordinary results. From weighing 14.8 stone (94kg) and wearing size 18 clothing, she now weighs 10.2 stone (65kg) and fits into size 8 garments. Beyond the physical changes, her health metrics improved dramatically.
"I'm more confident, stronger, I sleep better, my running pace has improved, and my type 2 diabetes is in remission," she reported proudly. Her exercise routine evolved from initial HIIT workouts, walking and running to include strength training as she deepened her understanding of fitness principles.
Family Support and Lifestyle Mindset
Charlene's family and friends have celebrated her achievement. "They felt the change was overdue but were very happy that this time I did it and didn't give up," she shared.
For others considering weight loss journeys, Charlene emphasises patience and perspective. "It's a journey that takes time, diligence, dedication, effort, patience, consistency, commitment and resilience," she advised. "You won't always feel motivated, but if you build these habits and qualities, you'll see benefits."
She particularly values the community aspect of Mosley's programme. "Changing your mindset about dieting is what makes the Fast 800 such a great programme. You're surrounded by like-minded people who have seen benefits and are willing to support you." Charlene also notes the programme's cost-effectiveness compared to alternatives.
Her final advice reflects her transformed relationship with health: "The hard work becomes worth it, but don't stop there. Remember, it's a lifestyle, not a sprint. Even if you pause and gain a little weight, remember it's a lifestyle, not a quick fix."
