More than a year has now passed since the heartbreaking loss of Dr Michael Mosley. The respected medical professional tragically died whilst holidaying on the Greek island of Symi.

The 67-year-old TV star was renowned for his expertise in nutritionand diet plans. He assisted both ordinary people and famous faces, including Martin Clunes, in losing weight while enhancing their overall well-being. One notable eating plan wasthe 5:2 diet, which he developed alongside his wife, Dr Clare Bailey Mosley, with the aim of making weight loss accessible to everyone.

Despite Dr Mosley's death, the profound influence of his work still continues, with his family having now set up a research fund in his honour. But what precisely does the 5:2 diet involve, and how might it benefit you?

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If you're keen to explore this approach, you've come to the right place. The Mirror has compiled all the essential information about this well-known eating strategy.

What is the 5:2 diet?

The 5:2 eating plan is designed to help anyone looking for a practical yet gentle approach to weight reduction. It involves consuming food as usual for five days whilst restricting calories for two, commonly known as 'fasting' days.

Adopting Mediterranean-inspired cuisine is also encouraged daily, as recent studies indicate it offers greater health advantages than conventional Western dietary choices. Specialists at Healthlinehave explained: "One common way of planning the week is to fast on Mondays and Thursdays, with two or three small meals, then eat normally for the rest of the week.

"It’s important to emphasise that eating 'normally' does not mean you can eat anything. If you eat too much junk food, then you probably won’t lose any weight, and you may even gain weight."

Who has it helped?

It's thought that the 5:2 approach has assisted millions of people across the globe in losing weight and maintaining long-term wellbeing. This particularly includes Martin Clunes, the cherished actor most famous for his part in ITV's Doc Martin.

Back in 2017, the now 64-year-old star said he'd achieved his goal of a three-stone weight loss in just three months, largely thanks to the 5:2 diet. "I was fat – and while I was getting heavy, I had tired knees and stuff," he told MailOnline at the time.

"So I thought I’d try that diet, and the weight came off. I lost about three stone in as many months. It’s great – and it’s supposed to be good for cholesterol, too."

Whilst there's restricted research specifically on the 5:2 approach, academic investigations have recognised the advantages of intermittent fasting. These stretch beyond weight management, with researchers emphasising its potential function in preventing chronic conditions, too.

Following a study in 2021, Dr Benjamin Horne at the Intermountain Healthcare Heart Institute said: "Inflammation is associated with a higher risk of developing multiple chronic diseases, including diabetes and heart disease. We’re encouraged to see evidence that intermittent fasting is prompting the body to fight inflammation and lowering those risks."

According tothe Mirror,he later added: "The best routine is one that patients can stick to over the long term, and this study shows that even occasional fasting can have positive health effects."

It's also worth acknowledging that Mediterranean-style diets, extending beyond the 5:2 method, have garnered significant attention for their potential health benefits. These advantages extend well beyond mere weight loss.

For instance, last year, the Autonomous University of Barcelona identified garlic, saffron, olives, rosemary, and grapes amongst the Mediterranean foods containing 'active components' that could prove beneficial for cardiovascular wellness. Meanwhile, separate research from Tulane University discovered that Mediterranean eating patterns might be linked to a dramatically reduced dementia risk.

"Our findings suggest that the Mediterranean diet or its biological effects could be harnessed to improve scholastic performance in adolescents, or work performance in young adults," corresponding author Dr Demetrius Maraganore at Tulane University said at the time.

"While these findings are based on animal models, they echo human studies linking the Mediterranean diet to improved memory and reduced dementia risk."

Is the 5:2 suitable for everyone?

Although the 5:2 method offers potential benefits, it might not be appropriate for everyone. Kerry Torrens, a nutritionist from BBC's Good Food, warned that it could be risky for pregnant or breastfeeding women and for people on specific medications.

It's also not recommended for children and teenagers who need extra essential nutrients for proper growth. As such, anyone considering the 5:2 plan is urged to seek advice from healthcare professionals first.

At the time, Kerry said: "Much of the emphasis given to the 5:2 is on the ‘fasting’ days, but to be safe, effective and healthy, the food consumed during the other five days of the week needs to be of high nutritional value.

"For this reason, you should aim to include essential fats from oily fish, nuts and seeds, lean sources of protein, wholegrains and starchy carbs with plenty of fruit and vegetables to supply the necessary fibre, vitamins and minerals that you need."