Recently published research in JAMA Network Journal has demonstrated that calorie restriction over a two-year period in adults, can lead to a better quality of life.
A recent clinical trial consisted of 220 women and men. They were all considered to be healthy with body mass indexes of 22-28. These participants were divided into two groups to study the effects of caloric restriction. The variable group underwent a 25 percent caloric restriction over a two-year period. Factors such as mood, quality of life, sleep and sexual function, irritability, and depression were assessed using questionnaires. These questionnaires were conducted at baseline, and at the one-year, and two-year follow-ups in the trial.
Results demonstrated that the caloric restricted group lost an average of 16.7 pounds, when compared to the control group who lost on average less than a pound, over two years. Furthermore, the participants in the caloric restricted group reported improved mood, reduced stress and anxiety, and overall better health and libido at the two-year mark. At the one-year follow-up that same group saw significant improvements in quality of sleep.
The findings of this study highlight that moderate caloric restriction in healthy adults can lead to better quality of life, including better sleep and mood.
Razi Berry, Founder and Publisher of Naturopathic Doctor News & Review (ndnr.com) and NaturalPath (thenatpath.com), has spent the last decade as a natural medicine advocate and marketing whiz. She has galvanized and supported the naturopathic community, bringing a higher quality of healthcare to millions of North Americans through her publications. A self-proclaimed health-food junkie and mother of two; she loves all things nature, is obsessed with organic gardening, growing fruit trees (not easy in Phoenix), laughing until she snorts, and homeschooling. She is a little bit crunchy and yes, that is her real name.
Reference:
Corby K. Martin, Manju Bhapkar, Anastassios G. Pittas, Carl F. Pieper, Sai Krupa Das, Donald A. Williamson, Tammy Scott, Leanne M. Redman, Richard Stein, Cheryl H. Gilhooly, Tiffany Stewart, Lisa Robinson, Susan B. Roberts. Effect of Calorie Restriction on Mood, Quality of Life, Sleep, and Sexual Function in Healthy Nonobese Adults. JAMA Internal Medicine, 2016; DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2016.1189
