Dr. Michael Mosley, a well-known health and wellbeing expert famous for developing the 5:2 and Fast 800 diet plans, has outlined three critical health checks everyone over 45 should consider. These tests offer a quick and valuable insight into overall health and help identify if any medical action is needed.
During a conversation with Greg James on Radio 4, Dr. Mosley emphasized the lasting impact family medical history can have on personal health. He shared how his father’s diagnosis with type 2 diabetes in his fifties, and his later battle with related complications like heart failure and early onset dementia, shaped his approach to health.
Reflecting on his father’s illness, Dr. Mosley said it took time to process the reality but also highlighted the importance of proactive health monitoring, particularly by learning from one’s parents’ health history and using genetic testing when available.
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For a simple yet effective health check, Dr. Mosley recommends three key assessments: measuring blood glucose levels to screen for diabetes, monitoring blood pressure, and performing what he calls the “string test.” This test involves taking a piece of string equal to your height, folding it in half, and seeing if it fits comfortably around your waist. If it doesn’t, it’s a warning sign that you might need to take action to improve your health.
He points out that waist size is a strong predictor of health risks, especially related to obesity and type 2 diabetes — a factor that heavily influenced his father’s health issues. Dr. Mosley believes that these simple steps not only help manage current health but can inspire meaningful lifestyle changes and greater awareness.
His personal experience fuels his mission to educate others about the importance of early health checks and lifestyle adjustments to prevent serious illnesses before they develop.