Conclusion: Human calorie restriction and anti-aging therapy

Arthur V. Everitt, Leonie Heilbronn, Brian J. Morris, Holly M. Brown-Borg, Brian J. Merry, Stephen J. Simpson, Krista A. Varady, Edward J. Masoro, Leanne M. Redman, David G. Le Couteur

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

During the twentieth century human life expectancy at birth increased by almost 30 years in developed countries and in the twenty-first century it is continuing to rise about 2 months in every year. Currently this is due mainly to medical advances reducing mortality from cardiovascular disease and cancer. In the twenty-first century the epidemic of obesity caused by overeating and reduced physical exercise is threatening to inhibit this continuing gain in human life expectancy. Life-long calorie restriction (CR) in the rat, mouse and the rhesus monkey retard aging, delay the onset of age-related diseases and significantly prolong life. Human 20% CR studies over 2-6 years reduce the risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Okinawans, the longest-lived people on earth have been eating 20-40% less food than the Americans for half their life and live 4 years longer. Thus, calorie restriction has only a small impact on human life expectancy compared with the achievements of medicine, which continue to extend human life.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCalorie Restriction, Aging and Longevity
PublisherSpringer Netherlands
Pages311-318
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9789048185566
ISBN (Print)9789048185559
DOIs
Publication statusPublished or Issued - 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Calorie restriction
  • Cancer
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Diabetes
  • Life expectancy
  • Obesity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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