Study Finds Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet May Reverse Biological Aging

A new trial by a group in Spain has brought some very promising results. First, I learned how a very low-calorie ketogenic diet can reverse biological aging by more than six years! Fuchs’ ground-breaking research shines a spotlight on the use of diet, not only to treat obesity but to prevent and manage co-occurring health conditions.

The epigenetic aging and obesity study, which took place within the Framingham Heart Study and Jackson Heart Study cohorts. The longitudinal cohort was made up of ten people living with obesity. In comparison, the cross-sectional cohort had 20 normal-weight participants and 28 people living with obesity. The participants were put on a six-month (180 days) very low-calorie ketogenic diet, eating fewer than 50 grams of carb per day. Purpose of the diet This dietary approach is designed to create a state known as metabolic ketosis, a state in which the body burns fat more efficiently.

Researchers measured biological age through blood samples taken at three points: baseline, after 30 days on the diet, and at the conclusion of the 180-day period. Participants on the ketogenic diet had some of the most impressive changes in their glucose and insulin levels. These improvements are important for reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, since this disease occurs more frequently in those with obesity.

According to these findings, this particular prescription diet was effective for weight loss. It has profound effects on epigenetic aging markers.

“A very low-calorie ketogenic diet does show benefits, but any weight loss leading to a patient achieving a healthy weight has been shown to improve all medical conditions and prolong the life span; it is difficult to definitively conclude that the type of diet is independent of the weight loss,” – Ali.

The full study’s findings are now available in the scientific journal Forests. They shed light on the complex relationship between food choices, weight gain, and cellular aging. Secondly, it highlights the central role of diet in preventing and reducing the risks of age-related physical and mental health problems.