Horizon Season 2012 Episode 9 Eat, Fast and Live Longer

In the ninth episode of the 2012 season of the popular science documentary series Horizon, titled Eat, Fast and Live Longer, the presenter Michael Mosley sets out to investigate the science behind a range of diets that claim to offer significant health benefits. As someone who enjoys his food and has, by his own admission, developed some bad eating habits, Mosley is keen to find out whether any of these diets could help him lead a longer, healthier life.

The episode starts with Mosley grappling with his own health concerns, including a family history of diabetes and heart disease, and an ever-expanding waistline. He talks to leading researchers and practitioners in the field of diet and nutrition to uncover the facts about some of the most popular and talked-about diets of the day. These include the 5:2 diet, which involves eating normally for five days and then restricting calorie intake to just 500-600 for two days; the Alternate Day Fasting diet, which involves eating normally one day and then fasting the next, and the Longevity diet, which emphasizes the importance of eating a wide variety of plant-based foods, such as fruit, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.

Mosley is put through his paces, undergoing a series of medical tests to determine his current state of health and to establish a baseline from which to measure any improvements. He then embarks on a challenging five-week journey, during which he tests out each of the diets, in turn, documenting his progress and highlighting any issues that arise along the way. Throughout his journey, Mosley meets with leading experts and researchers, including Nobel laureate Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn, to discuss the relationship between nutrition, aging, and disease.

As Mosley delves deeper into the science behind the diets, he starts to uncover some fascinating findings. For example, he discovers that fasting can have dramatic effects on insulin levels, which are key to controlling blood sugar levels and preventing diabetes. He also learns about the potential of autophagy, a natural cellular process triggered by fasting that helps to recycle and repair damaged or dysfunctional cells, thereby potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's.

Throughout the episode, Mosley's engaging and casual style of presentation hooks the viewer in, making it easy to imagine ourselves in his shoes, grappling with similar concerns and weighing up the various claims and counterclaims of the different diets. He also highlights some of the practical challenges he faces, such as socializing with friends and family on a fasting or calorie-restricted day, and managing his appetite on a restricted-calorie diet.

As the episode progresses, Mosley takes us on a journey from his own weight and health issues to the cutting-edge research on diet and longevity, highlighting the key findings and lessons learned along the way. By the end of the episode, he has undergone a dramatic transformation, both in terms of his physical health and his understanding of the complex relationship between nutrition and disease.

Overall, the Eat, Fast and Live Longer episode of Horizon offers a fascinating and engaging exploration of some of the most popular and talked-about diets of the day, from the science behind fasting to the latest approaches to plant-based eating. Throughout, Mosley's thoughtful, curious approach is a delight to watch, making this episode both informative and entertaining for anyone interested in diet, nutrition, and health.