Caloric Restriction + Physical Activity = Extended Lifespan
Restricting calories won’t extend your lifespan unless you combine it with some physical activity, explains Get-Fit Guy.
Ben Greenfield
You may have heard that calorie restriction can make you live longer.
But in a recent study, it was noted that no matter how much you restrict calories or diet, you might not get the same lifespan-increasing effect unless you exercise. In this study, fruit flies that were engaging in dietary restriction experienced a significant increase in lifespan and a shift in their metabolism toward more fat burning, especially in muscle tissue. (I wonder how they measure muscle tissue in fruit flies…)
However, there was a direct positive correlation between the amount of physical activity and fat burning, and also the amount of physical activity and extended lifespan. What this means is that restricting calories without being physically active may not do you much good when it comes to increasing your lifespan.
Of course, you’ll still probably lose weight on a diet, but this study shows that physical activity seems to introduce even more life-extending benefits to watching what you eat.
If you have questions about calorie restriction, lifespan and exercise, then ask away at the Get-Fit Guy Facebook page.
Related Content:
Five Ways to Slow Aging
How to Lose Fat and Gain Muscle at the Same Time
Fruit fly photo from Shutterstock
About the Author
Ben Greenfield received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from University of Idaho in sports science and exercise physiology; personal training and strength and conditioning certifications from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA); a sports nutrition certification from the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), an advanced bicycle fitting certification from Serotta. He has over 11 years’ experience in coaching professional, collegiate, and recreational athletes from all sports, and as helped hundreds of clients achieve weight loss and fitness success.