Calorie restriction improves biological aging markers
Important study posted by Examine.com
As this was done over 2 years we can’t yet know if this translates into life and health span but these results are promising and turn the idea that calorie restriction is a bad thing - as advocated by anti diet extremists - on its head.
It’s something many of us understand on an intuitive level. Our bodies are not meant to be continually consuming and spells of eating less are very, very, good for us.
Background
Calorie restriction (CR), defined as eating a diet that contains approximately 25% fewer calories than normal, is one of the most reliable methods of extending lifespan and slowing aging in animals. The study posed the question:
Can CR also affect the rate of aging in humans?
The Study
In this randomized controlled trial called the Comprehensive Assessment of Long-term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy (CALERIE), 220 men and women (average age of 38, normal weight or slightly overweight BMI) were prescribed a 25% reduction in calorie intake or a nonrestricted diet for 2 years.
The 25% CR was based on each participant’s individual energy requirements, which were estimated at the beginning of the study.
The primary study outcomes were biological age and the rate of biological aging, which were estimated using three different biological aging clocks:
PhenoAge, GrimAge, and DunedinPACE. Biological aging measures were assessed at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months.
The Results
CR reduced the pace of biological aging by 2%–3%, as measured using DunedinPACE. Biological age measured using PhenoAge and GrimAge was not affected by CR.
This cumulates to a 15% reduced mortality risk. That’s a significant difference!
We live in a society that opposes our biology. Things have become so comfortable and easy that it’s now actually killing us. It’s ok to eat less sometimes, but there is nuance here, being extremely lean is not healthy for 99% of people, so don’t lose common sense and if you’re unsure about how to approach this 121 coaching is a great choice.
