Josie Gibson goes back to the 70’s for a diet with 5

5 has announced today the commission of 2-part social experiment, The 1970s Diet hosted by presenter Josie Gibson…

The series, from production company Orchard Studios, sees Josie immerse herself in the food, drink and health culture of the 1970s in an attempt to see whether eating like we did in the ‘70s might actually make us healthier?

Josie Gibson:

“Taking on a full 1970s diet was no easy feat – this was a totally unique experience! The ’70s had some pretty wacky food trends, but what surprised me the most was how different our approach to eating, exercise, and even shopping was back then. It was a fascinating journey – viewers are going to love it!”   

After all, in 1970, only around 10% of British people were classified as obese*. Now it’s at least three times that … (by some measures it’s around 63%!). So, what changed? And could an era written off as one of the “unhealthiest” decades in British history, actually have something to teach modern dieters?

For two straight weeks, Josie will follow a bespoke 1970s diet, designed by a medical doctor and nutritionist, to reflect what the average person would have eaten in that decade.  She’ll abide by the habits of the time, from 70s portion size to an era-appropriate exercise regime. During the fortnight she will visit health experts to assess the impact of the diet on her body and wellbeing.

They’ll monitor three key results: does she lose weight? Does she become healthier? And does she get fitter? Meanwhile, she’ll explore the way we ate, drank, and exercised in the 1970s, brandishing her tartan trolley to pop to the local butcher, digging up her dinner at an allotment for a taste of the ‘Good Life’, enjoying a disco-infused aerobics class and visiting the pub to sample 70s drinking culture.  Along the way, she’ll speak to people with rich memories of the decade and draw comparisons between then and now.

Alongside Josie, the British public also get involved with ordinary households around the UK getting their own taste of ‘70s food and lifestyle culture, sampling classic dishes and testing the era’s favourite exercise fads. We’ll discover if taking your diet back in time could see other problems emerge.

Dan Louw, Commissioning Editor, 5:

“Watching Josie get to grips with the diet that time forgot has been hilarious, fun and educational. As someone who finds modern dieting complicated and confusing, it’s been amazing to learn that the simple no-nonsense approach of the 1970s is so effective.”   

The 1970s Diet is a two-part series commissioned by Dan Louw, Commissioning Editor, 5 and Executive Produced by Clare Mottershead for Orchard Studios. It will broadcast on 5 in hour-long slots.