Burning The Scale

Does A Low-Calorie Diet Boost Longevity?

by Claire on October 8th, 2007

There’s been some buzz in the news about very low calorie diets (VLCDs) not just for weight loss, but for living longer and reducing the risk for cardiovascular disease. Some folks think that if they eat dramatically less, they’ll increase their life span and be healthier.
Then, in one of those articles, I came across this:

“Researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis found that excessive calorie restriction causes malnutrition and can lead to anemia, muscle wasting, weakness, dizziness, lethargy, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, gallstones, irritability and depression.”

Say what? And people do this voluntarily?

I wouldn’t recommend such a drastic diet to anyone (not that I have any qualifications, mind you) because the excessive hunger that would result would probably make you yo-yo, which is extremely dangerous for your health.

If you’re looking to lengthen your life - this study shows that cutting out the sugar could do the trick. (Thanks to Jimmy Moore for this).

Till next time,

Claire

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POSTED IN: Claire