Research
Energy balance
Caloric restriction (CR) extends lifespan in many species, but its benefits in humans are uncertain and potentially offset by increased mortality risk associated with low body weight.
While caloric restriction works in animals, extreme restriction in humans may increase mortality risk. Aim for moderate, sustainable eating habits that support metabolic health rather than striving for very low body weight.
ModerateQualifiesMEDIUM confidence
The benefits of CR for humans have been challenged by several large observational studies and a recent meta-analysis suggesting that lower BMI in humans is associated with increased mortality relative to subjects who are mildly overweight.
Why this rating
Strong evidence in lower organisms; mixed/observational evidence in primates and humans.
Source
Coming of age: molecular drivers of aging and therapeutic opportunities
Christopher B. Newgard et al. · Journal of Clinical Investigation · 2013
DOI 10.1172/jci68833
narrative_reviewCited 185×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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Related findings · Energy balance
- Achieving a total body weight loss of 10-15% (or >10-15 kg) through Total Diet Replacement (TDR) induces remission of Type 2 Diabetes in individuals with short-duration disease.Strong
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