Dr Clare Bailey Mosley, the widow of celebrated health broadcaster Dr Michael Mosley, has publicly endorsed what she describes as the 'world's healthiest diet' for effective weight management and overall health.
Stepping Into Michael Mosley's Shoes
Speaking on stage alongside her son, Dr Jack Mosley, the retired GP is continuing the family's health advocacy work. Together, they have authored three healthy eating books: The Fast800 Favourites, Eating Together, and Food Noise.
This public engagement comes after the tragic death of her husband, Dr Michael Mosley, in June 2024 on the Greek island of Symi. The veteran broadcaster was renowned for his nearly two-decade career promoting health interventions like intermittent fasting and the 5:2 and Fast 800 diets.
The Case for Rapid Weight Loss and a Mediterranean Lifestyle
During the talk, Clare was asked for her advice on maintaining health and managing weight. She acknowledged that shedding pounds can be "really difficult" and is surrounded by "all sorts of myths".
She presented a compelling argument for a specific approach, telling Good Housekeeping UK: "There's a lot of evidence that, actually, rather than slow and steady, you want to...rapid weight loss is a very effective way of doing it."
She explained that this method works because individuals see results quickly, which helps maintain motivation and prevents boredom, ultimately making them more likely to keep the weight off.
What Makes the 'World's Healthiest Diet'?
Clare identified the cornerstone of this effective strategy as the Mediterranean-style diet, which she called the "world's healthiest diet pretty much". She clarified that this means "less pasta and pizza" but is otherwise a universally healthy eating pattern.
She detailed the diet's components, emphasising a focus on:
- Fruit and vegetables
- Lots of seeds and pulses
- Generous amounts of anti-inflammatory olive oil
- Some meat and dairy, but "not huge amounts"
This diet, inspired by the traditional cuisines of countries like Italy and Greece, has long been praised by nutritionists. It prioritises whole foods over processed items, and research has consistently linked it to a lower risk of chronic diseases, especially when compared to standard Western diets.
The Mediterranean diet continues to gain support from leading health bodies. In 2024, Tracey Parker, the nutrition lead at the British Heart Foundation, also championed the diet, providing simple meal ideas such as Greek yoghurt with fruit for breakfast, lentil soup for lunch, and baked salmon with vegetables for dinner.
