TV presenter Eamonn Holmes has shared his scepticism with the medical professional involved in the new Channel 4 show How to Lose a Stone in 21 Days. Doctor Michael Mosley appeared on This Morning on Wednesday, where he was interviewed by Eamonn and his wife and co-host, Ruth Langsford.
The doctor explained that his diet involves clients limiting their food intake to just 800 calories a day, significantly lower than the recommended amount of 2500 calories a day for men and 2000 calories for women. Eamonn expressed confusion about this guideline, asking Dr Mosley, "How could you possibly be happy on 800 calories a day?"
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© Photo: RexDr Mosley appeared on This Morning to discuss his new show
The doctor admitted it was difficult, but claimed that people would feel better after the first few days, saying: "It's pretty tough to begin with but what most people report is within about three or four days their stomachs shrink and they go into fat burning mode."
He went on: "Initially [your stomach] tells you [that] you need to eat, and then when it realises you're not going to get those delicious doughnuts, it starts to burn fat and you enter a stage called ketosis, and that is linked to improved mood."
© Photo: Channel 4How to Lose a Stone in 21 Days with Michael Mosley begins at 9 pm on Wednesday
This Morning viewers had a range of reactions to the segment, with many taking to Twitter to express their opinions. One wrote: "Are ITV Daytime really giving airtime to a 'medical professional' advocating following an 800 calorie a day diet for several months? Yes, yes they are. I'm so exhausted at having to pull things like this up #ThisMorning."
Others agreed, chiming in: "This does not sound healthy!! I’m only petite but even I need more calories like that. Extreme dieting can’t be good for anyone," and: "#ThisMorning instead of encouraging an unhealthy 800 calories diet to lose a stone in 21 days maybe encourage a lifestyle change to eat a healthy amount of calories and do some exercise for long term benefits."
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Some viewers supported the doctor's plan, however, with a couple claiming it had helped them. One tweeted: "I was 40 stone and so far have lost 14st 7lb following only Michael Mosley's diet. In just 2.5yrs. I've given myself a 3 year goal."
Another added: "@DrMichaelMosley saw the reaction to the 800 diet on #ThisMorning I did the diet last year after doctor said I was pre diabetic. It was hard at first but now 1 year on I'm in great health exercise harder and enjoy eating healthy food more than ever!" How to Lose a Stone in 21 Days with Michael Mosley airs on Wednesday evening at 9 pm.
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