Calorie Restriction, Better than Exercise in Slowing Aging Process

Filed in archive Studies on June 14, 2006

Researchers from the Washington University in St. Louis Medical Center found that calorie restriction is better than endurance exercise in slowing the aging process as opposed to previous studies. Calorie restriction (CR) decreases the circulating concentration of a powerful inflammatory molecule, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF). The combination of lower T3 levels and reduced inflammation may slow that aging process by reducing the body's metabolic rate and the oxidative damage to cells and tissues.

Previous research on mice and rats has shown that both calorie restriction and endurance exercise protect them against many chronic diseases including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some types of cancer.

However, the research has shown that only CR increases the animals' maximum lifespan by up to 50 percent. These animal studies suggest that leanness is a key factor in the prevention of age-associated disease, but reducing caloric intake is needed to slow down aging.

Read more at WUSTL Medical News.