
One study found an extension of lifespan, while the other did not. Although there were differences between the two studies-including monkey breed and type of food-both provided evidence that calorie restriction reduced the incidence of age-related conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. In both studies, the monkeys were kept on a calorie-restriction diet (30 percent fewer calories than for monkeys in the control groups) for more than 20 years. Two National Institute on Aging (NIA)-supported studies in rhesus monkeys sought to find out whether the benefits of calorie restriction are seen in longer-lived species. One study of male mice found that lifelong alternate-day fasting increased longevity, mainly by delaying cancer occurrence rather than slowing other aging processes. A study with fruit flies found that calorie restriction-but not intermittent fasting-was associated with living longer. elegans, a fasting diet increased lifespan by 40 percent. But, some studies did not show this benefit, and in some mouse strains, calorie restriction shortened lifespan rather than extending it. In these studies, when rodents and other animals were given 10 percent to 40 percent fewer calories than usual but provided with all necessary nutrients, many showed extension of lifespan and reduced rates of several diseases, especially cancers. In some experiments, calorie restriction is also a form of fasting because the lab animals consume all their daily allotted food within hours and go many more hours without any food. More animal research has been done on calorie restriction than on fasting.

Alternate-day fasting-Eating is unrestricted every other day, and no or minimal calories can be consumed on the days in between.Time-restricted feeding-Meals are consumed within a limited number of hours (such as 6-8 hours) each day, with nothing consumed during the other hours.There are a variety of fasting diets, sometimes called "intermittent fasting." You may have read about: The fasting diet may or may not involve a restriction in the intake of calories during non-fasting times. What Are the Different Forms of Calorie Restriction and Fasting?Ĭalorie restriction is a consistent pattern of reducing average daily caloric intake, while fasting regimens primarily focus on the frequency of eating. In short, there's not enough evidence to recommend any such eating regimen to the public. They also don't know whether these eating patterns are safe or even doable in the long run. But scientists still have much to learn about how calorie restriction and fasting affect people who are not overweight, including older adults. Many studies have shown that obese and overweight people who lose weight by dieting can improve their health. Given these results in animals, researchers are studying if and how calorie restriction or a fasting diet affects health and lifespan in people. In many experiments, calorie-restricted feeding delayed the onset of age-related disorders and, in some studies, extended lifespan. Interest in their potential health and aging benefits stems from decades of research with a variety of animals, including worms, crabs, snails, fruit flies, and rodents. They are not temporary weight-loss plans. These eating patterns are being studied as possible ways to maintain good health and live longer. A practical effect of a fasting diet may be fewer calories because there is less time for regular eating. In a fasting diet, a person does not eat at all or severely limits intake during certain times of the day, week, or month. Calorie restriction means reducing average daily caloric intake below what is typical or habitual, without malnutrition or deprivation of essential nutrients. Aren't they just other terms for dieting to lose weight? You may have heard about calorie restriction and fasting diets and wondered why they're getting so much attention in the news. Should You Try Calorie Restriction or a Fasting Diet?.

How Does Calorie Restriction or Fasting Work?.What's the Evidence from Human Studies of Fasting?.What's the Evidence from Human Studies of Calorie Restriction?.What's the Evidence from Animal Studies?.What Are the Different Forms of Calorie Restriction and Fasting?.
