'Michael Mosley's death changed my life - I'm free from pain explosions'
The shock death of Michael Mosley, whose legacy lives on through his transformative healthy eating advice, was the push Lorraine Kerr needed to finally change her bad habits
The tragic news of Michael Mosley 's death this time last year forced Lorraine Kerr to put change into action. She had always been a fan of the TV doctor and heard about his popular diet plan two years ago, but was stuck in a rut of emotional eating.
It was in June 2024 when the 55-year-old returned home from Greek-island hopping that sparked the start of a new journey of health and fitness. She too had been holidaying in Symi, the very same picturesque island where Dr Mosley had been staying and subsequently died.
The health guru, known for popularising the 5:2 diet, was found dead in a rocky area of Agia Marina on June 5. He had said goodbye to his wife, Clare Bailey, at the beach before going alone on a two-mile walk, having left his phone at the hotel.
Michael, 67, had taken a wrong turn and became lost. Police said he died of natural causes, and an inquest last December concluded his death was "most likely attributable either to heat stroke (accidental) or non-identified pathological cause".
The shock news made Lorraine, who weighed 14-and-a-half stone and is now more than six stone lighter, want to honour the medic's lasting legacy. "I first heard about The Fast 800 by listening to Dr Michael Mosley 's podcast about two years ago," she told the Mirror.
"I'd already put on a lot of weight and thought the plan would be a sustainable option for me, but at that point I wasn't ready to do anything. I've always been an emotional eater, and after losing both my mother and sister in a very short space of time, I found myself turning to sugary foods. It took a toll on my health and my GP said it had put me on the path to pre-diabetes."
She added: "When the news broke about what had happened to him, it kind of galvanised me to stop dithering…and in a way I felt like I wanted to honour him and all the work he and his team had done." She began with The Very Fast 800 – the programme's most rapid weight loss approach, which involves up to 12 weeks of eating two to three Mediterranean-style meals each day, totalling approximately 800 - 900 calories per day.
In those first 12 weeks, she dropped to 12 stone 5lbs. Today, she is just 6lbs away from her goal weight of 8 stone 4lbs. Much of that weight loss, says Lorraine, is the result of a complete change in her eating habits.
A typical day of eating might have been an extra-large Danish pastry from a bakery at the end of her road, lots of coffee with cream and artificial sweeteners, a steak pie and a packet of crisps for lunch, plus several chocolate bar snacks or biscuits throughout the day and more coffee.
Dinner was likely to be pizza or spaghetti bolognese – albeit homemade, as both Lorraine and her husband Nick enjoy cooking. However the new diet inspired Lorraine to embrace a lot more vegetables, particularly greens that she doesn't particularly enjoy.
'I found the first 12 weeks difficult at first," she said. "I was very hungry but absolutely determined and I knew there was an end to the very low calorie restriction. The galvanisation really helped me to get through it.
'I always loved the kale recipes, in particular the Harissa Greens and Halloumi, which featured largely during my 12 weeks and since. I didn't think I'd enjoy it, but I absolutely love it." Typical meals for Lorraine now that she has moved onto The Fast 800's maintenance approach - The Way of Life - include baked oats, pears and walnuts for breakfast, plenty of Greek yogurt, different kinds of salad for lunch, and healthier evening meals that might include oily fish, meatballs or even vegetarian selections.
If she's on the go, she'll make use of pre-prepared meals such as The Fast 800 Dark Chocolate and Raspberry Protein Bars. Perhaps the biggest motivation for embracing her new lifestyle permanently is the huge improvement in IBS symptoms. 'The amazing thing was that within three days of starting the programme, my irritable bowel syndrome, which I'd suffered from for a couple of years, had vanished, and it's never returned.'
Lorraine now believes her problems were as a result of consuming too many artificial sweeteners. 'This isn't scientific, but as a test I reintroduced some artificial sweeteners and within two to three days the symptoms came back and were quite severe.
"When I stopped eating the sweeteners, the symptoms vanished again. I tried the same thing one more time to check and the symptoms returned straightaway and disappeared again as soon as I stopped…I've not had one day of IBS since I stopped eating artificial sweeteners after reintroducing them briefly."
Lorraine, who takes the Pre + Probiotic supplement, has also seen other health improvements. Her fibromyalgia - long-term condition that involves widespread body pain - symptoms have improved along with back problems caused by Coccydynia – permanent inflammation of the coccyx. 'I used to get explosions of pain; sometimes so horrific I needed morphine. I haven't had one since around the six month mark, so my weight loss has really helped with that too.'
Alongside her healthier eating, Lorraine also began regular exercise. She started slowly, five days a week with resistance training, HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training, which comprises fast-paced exercise in short bursts) and Pilates. 'My fitness was very poor and I was struggling to walk anywhere because of my weight.
"I'm only 5ft and 1.5 inches with a very slight frame, so that was a lot of weight to be carrying around on a small person. It was really hard going just to do the basic level, but I lost quite a bit of weight in those first two weeks, which gave me the psychological push and my sleep improved too.'
She now swims in the sea regularly and finds the 15 minute walk to and from the beach – including a steep hill on the way home, easy. 'I'm walking really quickly now. My body feels clearer and brighter. There are so many benefits,' she says.
Lorraine is now adamant that the dramatic changes both to her body shape and health are not something she wants to reverse. 'It's had a massive impact on my wellbeing and health, so I'm really looking to make this a way of life because the changes have been so good. That's the whole point, isn't it?!'
"I will be sailing past Symi at the end of next week so will give a silent nod to Dr Mosley and his lovely family - I can say I did it, I feel great, thank you."
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The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
From cold showers to hot tomatoes, how TV's Michael Mosley is still keeping us healthy a year after his tragic death
IT has been a year since the death of the much-loved presenter Dr Michael Mosley, famous for his practical tips on improving health and well-being. Here Laura Stott looks at his legacy of enlightening and easy-to-follow ideas, including ones that the telly doctor personally benefited from, all backed up by science. 8 ECCENTRIC EXERCISE: Mosley advocated 'exercise snacking' – or fitting small bursts of physical activity into everyday life rather than working out in one prolonged gym session. 8 He recommended mixing things up, doing plenty of squats and planks for lower body strength, posture and heart health, and trying 'eccentric exercises', such as walking backwards, proven to reduce back pain and aid memory. He also suggested going down flights of stairs to stretch and lengthen muscles, and Nordic walking — an aerobic stroll using poles for support — to strengthen the core and upper body. GET IN THE SWIM: Dr Mosley was a huge advocate of the gains that come from getting into the water. 8 Swimming lengths is effective for blood vessels, enhancing vascular function and increasing the flexibility of our arteries. And time in the pool has also been shown to up mental speed and cognitive sharpness, especially in older adults. Getting wet for half an hour two or three times weekly was optimal, according to Mosley, who also suggested trying a cold-water wild plunge to strengthen the immune system. BODY BALANCE: Being able to support your body weight by standing on one leg also enhances health. 8 Learning to balance without wobbles could aid longevity and reduce injury from falls – one of the most common reasons for declining health as people age. Better stability makes for a more productive life, as it is easier to do daily tasks. Overall bodily equilibrium and poise is a proven indicator of quality of life as we age. Tragic TV doc Michael Mosley's extreme science tests - swallowing tapeworm, shroom trip & food made from his own blood as show reveals heartbreaking fears Mastering the art of standing one-legged, in turn on left and right feet, while brushing your teeth is beneficial, said Mosley, who himself did it daily. PLANT POWER: Tending to house plants and getting out in the garden are both great for boosting wellness. 8 Studies show time in nature and around greenery can reduce stress, boost cognition and reduce anxiety. Fresh air is another wellness win. Smelling the trees, listening to the birds and appreciating the pattern of light passing through the leaves while in the countryside were all pastimes Mosley enjoyed himself. KEEP YOUR COOL: Cold temperatures aid wellness. Dr Mosley recommended that everybody should embrace the health benefits of feeling a chill. 8 Alongside exercising in cool conditions, he promoted daily cold showers for immune system benefits and himself ended warm ones with a 30-second icy blast. Studies show this can cut muscle pain, increase immune cell production and boost circulation. He also advised keeping homes cool, and set his own thermostat at just 15 degrees. Dr Mosley's research showed this could improve blood-sugar metabolism and potentially protect against Type 2 diabetes. TURN THE PAGES: Reading each day can benefit both mind and body. 8 Mosley cited a study by America's Stanford University, where brain scans of people reading Jane Austen novels showed an increase in blood flow. This suggests the activity may improve memory and concentration. If you aren't a fan of Pride And Prejudice any book should have the same effect. TINNED TOMATOES: Getting your diet right is key. Dr Mosley showed with his own research that cooked tomatoes could be better for you than raw ones. An antioxidant called lycopene is released when they are warmed, which helps the body fight off cell-damaging chemicals called free radicals. He recommended filling your kitchen cupboards with tinned tomatoes to make dishes that could help heart health, bring skin benefits and possibly reduce cancer risks. Eating beetroot and garlic to lower blood pressure, and oily fish such as mackerel, to reduce inflammation, were among his other tips. TAKE A DEEP BREATH: Slowing breathing before bedtime could help you enjoy a better night's kip, reduce stress levels and boost relaxation. Dr Mosley practised a breathing exercise called 4-2-4 which he used when unable to kip. This entails breathing in for four seconds, holding the breath for two, then breathing out for another four. Long inhalation and exhalation slow down your heart rate and may help control chronic pain.
Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
From cold showers to hot tomatoes, how TV's Michael Mosley is still keeping us healthy a year after his tragic death
Find out exactly what the 'eccentric exercises' Dr Mosley suggests DOC'S ORDERS From cold showers to hot tomatoes, how TV's Michael Mosley is still keeping us healthy a year after his tragic death Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IT has been a year since the death of the much-loved presenter Dr Michael Mosley, famous for his practical tips on improving health and well-being. Here Laura Stott looks at his legacy of enlightening and easy-to-follow ideas, including ones that the telly doctor personally benefited from, all backed up by science. 8 A year on from his death, Dr Michael Mosley's science-backed health tips are still changing lives – here we look at how his legacy lives on Credit: Channel 4 ECCENTRIC EXERCISE: Mosley advocated 'exercise snacking' – or fitting small bursts of physical activity into everyday life rather than working out in one prolonged gym session. 8 The expert recommended Nordic walking — an aerobic stroll using poles for support Credit: Getty He recommended mixing things up, doing plenty of squats and planks for lower body strength, posture and heart health, and trying 'eccentric exercises', such as walking backwards, proven to reduce back pain and aid memory. He also suggested going down flights of stairs to stretch and lengthen muscles, and Nordic walking — an aerobic stroll using poles for support — to strengthen the core and upper body. GET IN THE SWIM: Dr Mosley was a huge advocate of the gains that come from getting into the water. 8 Dr Mosley championed the health-boosting power of swimming – from sharper minds to stronger hearts, and even cold-water dips to build immunity Credit: Getty Swimming lengths is effective for blood vessels, enhancing vascular function and increasing the flexibility of our arteries. And time in the pool has also been shown to up mental speed and cognitive sharpness, especially in older adults. Getting wet for half an hour two or three times weekly was optimal, according to Mosley, who also suggested trying a cold-water wild plunge to strengthen the immune system. BODY BALANCE: Being able to support your body weight by standing on one leg also enhances health. 8 The doctor advocated one-legged toothbrushing to boost balance, cut fall risk and help us stay active and independent as we age Credit: Getty Learning to balance without wobbles could aid longevity and reduce injury from falls – one of the most common reasons for declining health as people age. Better stability makes for a more productive life, as it is easier to do daily tasks. Overall bodily equilibrium and poise is a proven indicator of quality of life as we age. Tragic TV doc Michael Mosley's extreme science tests - swallowing tapeworm, shroom trip & food made from his own blood as show reveals heartbreaking fears Mastering the art of standing one-legged, in turn on left and right feet, while brushing your teeth is beneficial, said Mosley, who himself did it daily. PLANT POWER: Tending to house plants and getting out in the garden are both great for boosting wellness. 8 Dr Mosley promoted the power of nature – from houseplants to countryside walks, greenery helps ease stress, sharpen focus and lift mood Credit: Getty Studies show time in nature and around greenery can reduce stress, boost cognition and reduce anxiety. Fresh air is another wellness win. Smelling the trees, listening to the birds and appreciating the pattern of light passing through the leaves while in the countryside were all pastimes Mosley enjoyed himself. KEEP YOUR COOL: Cold temperatures aid wellness. Dr Mosley recommended that everybody should embrace the health benefits of feeling a chill. 8 The health expert also embraced the cold – from icy showers to cool homes – for better immunity, blood flow and protection against Type 2 diabetes Credit: Getty Alongside exercising in cool conditions, he promoted daily cold showers for immune system benefits and himself ended warm ones with a 30-second icy blast. Studies show this can cut muscle pain, increase immune cell production and boost circulation. He also advised keeping homes cool, and set his own thermostat at just 15 degrees. Dr Mosley's research showed this could improve blood-sugar metabolism and potentially protect against Type 2 diabetes. TURN THE PAGES: Reading each day can benefit both mind and body. 8 The late Dr Mosley championed daily reading to boost brain power – any book can help sharpen memory, focus and blood flow. Credit: Getty Mosley cited a study by America's Stanford University, where brain scans of people reading Jane Austen novels showed an increase in blood flow. This suggests the activity may improve memory and concentration. If you aren't a fan of Pride And Prejudice any book should have the same effect. TINNED TOMATOES: Getting your diet right is key. Dr Mosley showed with his own research that cooked tomatoes could be better for you than raw ones. 8 Dr Mosley's food tips included cooking tomatoes for more lycopene, plus stocking up on beetroot, garlic and oily fish to boost heart health and fight inflammation Credit: Getty An antioxidant called lycopene is released when they are warmed, which helps the body fight off cell-damaging chemicals called free radicals. He recommended filling your kitchen cupboards with tinned tomatoes to make dishes that could help heart health, bring skin benefits and possibly reduce cancer risks. Eating beetroot and garlic to lower blood pressure, and oily fish such as mackerel, to reduce inflammation, were among his other tips. TAKE A DEEP BREATH: Slowing breathing before bedtime could help you enjoy a better night's kip, reduce stress levels and boost relaxation. Dr Mosley practised a breathing exercise called 4-2-4 which he used when unable to kip. This entails breathing in for four seconds, holding the breath for two, then breathing out for another four. Long inhalation and exhalation slow down your heart rate and may help control chronic pain.
Daily Mirror
13 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
'Michael Mosley's death changed my life - I'm free from pain explosions'
The shock death of Michael Mosley, whose legacy lives on through his transformative healthy eating advice, was the push Lorraine Kerr needed to finally change her bad habits The tragic news of Michael Mosley 's death this time last year forced Lorraine Kerr to put change into action. She had always been a fan of the TV doctor and heard about his popular diet plan two years ago, but was stuck in a rut of emotional eating. It was in June 2024 when the 55-year-old returned home from Greek-island hopping that sparked the start of a new journey of health and fitness. She too had been holidaying in Symi, the very same picturesque island where Dr Mosley had been staying and subsequently died. The health guru, known for popularising the 5:2 diet, was found dead in a rocky area of Agia Marina on June 5. He had said goodbye to his wife, Clare Bailey, at the beach before going alone on a two-mile walk, having left his phone at the hotel. Michael, 67, had taken a wrong turn and became lost. Police said he died of natural causes, and an inquest last December concluded his death was "most likely attributable either to heat stroke (accidental) or non-identified pathological cause". The shock news made Lorraine, who weighed 14-and-a-half stone and is now more than six stone lighter, want to honour the medic's lasting legacy. "I first heard about The Fast 800 by listening to Dr Michael Mosley 's podcast about two years ago," she told the Mirror. "I'd already put on a lot of weight and thought the plan would be a sustainable option for me, but at that point I wasn't ready to do anything. I've always been an emotional eater, and after losing both my mother and sister in a very short space of time, I found myself turning to sugary foods. It took a toll on my health and my GP said it had put me on the path to pre-diabetes." She added: "When the news broke about what had happened to him, it kind of galvanised me to stop dithering…and in a way I felt like I wanted to honour him and all the work he and his team had done." She began with The Very Fast 800 – the programme's most rapid weight loss approach, which involves up to 12 weeks of eating two to three Mediterranean-style meals each day, totalling approximately 800 - 900 calories per day. In those first 12 weeks, she dropped to 12 stone 5lbs. Today, she is just 6lbs away from her goal weight of 8 stone 4lbs. Much of that weight loss, says Lorraine, is the result of a complete change in her eating habits. A typical day of eating might have been an extra-large Danish pastry from a bakery at the end of her road, lots of coffee with cream and artificial sweeteners, a steak pie and a packet of crisps for lunch, plus several chocolate bar snacks or biscuits throughout the day and more coffee. Dinner was likely to be pizza or spaghetti bolognese – albeit homemade, as both Lorraine and her husband Nick enjoy cooking. However the new diet inspired Lorraine to embrace a lot more vegetables, particularly greens that she doesn't particularly enjoy. 'I found the first 12 weeks difficult at first," she said. "I was very hungry but absolutely determined and I knew there was an end to the very low calorie restriction. The galvanisation really helped me to get through it. 'I always loved the kale recipes, in particular the Harissa Greens and Halloumi, which featured largely during my 12 weeks and since. I didn't think I'd enjoy it, but I absolutely love it." Typical meals for Lorraine now that she has moved onto The Fast 800's maintenance approach - The Way of Life - include baked oats, pears and walnuts for breakfast, plenty of Greek yogurt, different kinds of salad for lunch, and healthier evening meals that might include oily fish, meatballs or even vegetarian selections. If she's on the go, she'll make use of pre-prepared meals such as The Fast 800 Dark Chocolate and Raspberry Protein Bars. Perhaps the biggest motivation for embracing her new lifestyle permanently is the huge improvement in IBS symptoms. 'The amazing thing was that within three days of starting the programme, my irritable bowel syndrome, which I'd suffered from for a couple of years, had vanished, and it's never returned.' Lorraine now believes her problems were as a result of consuming too many artificial sweeteners. 'This isn't scientific, but as a test I reintroduced some artificial sweeteners and within two to three days the symptoms came back and were quite severe. "When I stopped eating the sweeteners, the symptoms vanished again. I tried the same thing one more time to check and the symptoms returned straightaway and disappeared again as soon as I stopped…I've not had one day of IBS since I stopped eating artificial sweeteners after reintroducing them briefly." Lorraine, who takes the Pre + Probiotic supplement, has also seen other health improvements. Her fibromyalgia - long-term condition that involves widespread body pain - symptoms have improved along with back problems caused by Coccydynia – permanent inflammation of the coccyx. 'I used to get explosions of pain; sometimes so horrific I needed morphine. I haven't had one since around the six month mark, so my weight loss has really helped with that too.' Alongside her healthier eating, Lorraine also began regular exercise. She started slowly, five days a week with resistance training, HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training, which comprises fast-paced exercise in short bursts) and Pilates. 'My fitness was very poor and I was struggling to walk anywhere because of my weight. "I'm only 5ft and 1.5 inches with a very slight frame, so that was a lot of weight to be carrying around on a small person. It was really hard going just to do the basic level, but I lost quite a bit of weight in those first two weeks, which gave me the psychological push and my sleep improved too.' She now swims in the sea regularly and finds the 15 minute walk to and from the beach – including a steep hill on the way home, easy. 'I'm walking really quickly now. My body feels clearer and brighter. There are so many benefits,' she says. Lorraine is now adamant that the dramatic changes both to her body shape and health are not something she wants to reverse. 'It's had a massive impact on my wellbeing and health, so I'm really looking to make this a way of life because the changes have been so good. That's the whole point, isn't it?!' "I will be sailing past Symi at the end of next week so will give a silent nod to Dr Mosley and his lovely family - I can say I did it, I feel great, thank you."
