Dr Michael Mosley's son, Jack Mosley, has disclosed how the family decided to carry on the TV doctor's work after his death, driven by an overwhelming public response. The health expert died at age 67 in June 2024 while walking on the Greek island of Symi. His contributions to nutrition, weight loss, and metabolic health made him a household name, with millions following his books, TV shows, and diet plans.
Public outpouring shaped family's decision
Jack Mosley, a trained doctor with a master's in diabetes research, told The Telegraph that he and his mother, Dr Clare Bailey Mosley, received thousands of messages after Michael's death. People shared how they reversed diabetes or improved their health using his Fast 800 plan or 5:2 diet. Jack said: "After my dad died, mum and I received thousands of messages from people who wanted to let us know just how much he had helped them. They spoke of reversing their diabetes, or dramatically improving their health, by following his Fast 800 plan... or his 5:2 diet."
The family was "blown away by the outpouring," Jack added. They discussed how to continue the "Mosley mission" to improve the nation's metabolic health. He said: "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's professional alignment with his father's mission
Jack's own career aligns with his father's focus. He founded the Nutritional Medicine Society and worked with Professor Roy Taylor, whose research examined how very low-calorie diets could help people with type 2 diabetes achieve remission. Research suggests consuming 800 to 1,000 calories daily for a limited period can improve cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, and help with gum disease, beyond weight loss.
Michael Mosley famously reversed his own type 2 diabetes by following an 800-calorie diet twice a week while eating normally on other days, popularising the 5:2 diet. Jack warned that anyone with diabetes or taking medication should consult a medical professional before attempting a low-calorie diet.
Inquest into Michael Mosley's death
An inquest in December 2024 returned an open conclusion after the coroner could not determine the exact cause of death. Michael disappeared on June 5, 2024, while walking on Symi during a family holiday. His body was found four days later after a large search. Senior coroner Crispin Butler ruled the cause as "indeterminate" and "unascertainable," likely due to accidental heatstroke or an unidentified pathological cause. No evidence of homicide, suicide, or injury-related accident was found.
