Reducing Daily Calories by Just 10 Percent May Help Increase Lifespan: Study

Islamabad (Qudrat Daily): A new study has revealed that making a small reduction in daily calorie intake may not only help with weight loss but also improve heart health, blood pressure, and blood sugar control, potentially lowering the risk of age-related diseases.
According to the CALERIE study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, reducing daily calorie intake by just 10 to 15 percent can provide significant health benefits.
The study involved 143 healthy participants who attempted to reduce their calorie intake by 25 percent over two years. However, the average reduction achieved was around 12 percent. Despite this modest decrease, participants experienced lower blood pressure, improved insulin sensitivity, reduced cholesterol levels, and nearly 10 percent weight loss.
Small Changes, Big Benefits
Researchers said the findings are encouraging because the reduction is realistic and achievable for most people.
Lead author Dr. Sai Krupa Das stated, “The most exciting part is that we observed these benefits even with only a modest reduction, which is manageable for most individuals.”
She explained that for a person consuming 2,000 calories daily, reducing intake by just 200 calories — roughly equal to a packet of chips or a doughnut — could make a meaningful difference.
Effects on the Body
Experts said that reducing calorie intake helps the body use energy more efficiently and lowers the production of harmful molecules known as Reactive Oxygen Species, which are associated with aging and diseases such as cancer and Parkinson’s disease.
Precautions
Although the study is considered safe for healthy adults, experts cautioned that calorie restriction may not be suitable for everyone. People over 65 years of age, pregnant women, children, and underweight individuals are advised to consult a doctor before making significant dietary changes.