Michael Mosley: Why crash diets do work and how to become a ‘fat burning machine’

He continued: “With these diets, the drop-out rate is about 90 percent.”

So, what does Dr Michael suggest as an alternative?

Eating 800 calories per day for eight weeks is the way to go for rapid weight loss, according to Dr Michael, as long as dieters are consuming enough protein.

The weight loss expert recommended scrambled eggs for lunch, soup with lentils for lunch, a handful of nuts and some vegetables, “practical” meals to keep dieters from feeling ravenous throughout the day.

“It’s what you eat that matters just as much as how much you eat. It’s really important to eat foods that have lots of fibre, olive oil and other nutrients.”