Experts Claim Revolutionary Diet Could Reverse Biological Aging
A recent study has explored the connection between obesity and accelerated biological aging, and how a very low-calorie ketogenic diet might help reverse this process. Obesity, defined by a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, has been linked to premature aging due to changes in DNA methylation patterns. This kind of accelerated aging can lead to an increased risk of chronic diseases and a reduced lifespan. The study, which utilized epigenetic clocks to measure biological age, revealed that people with obesity had a higher biological age compared to those with a normal weight.
The researchers tested the effects of a very low-calorie ketogenic diet on epigenetic aging in a cohort of 10 individuals with obesity. Participants followed the ketogenic diet for 180 days, and their blood samples were taken at three intervals to measure changes in biological age. The results showed that after just 30 days, participants experienced an average age deceleration of 6.1 years, and this effect was sustained at 6.2 years after 180 days. The researchers suggest that the body’s transition into nutritional ketosis, where fat is burned for energy, may be responsible for this deceleration.
In addition to reducing biological age, participants on the ketogenic diet also saw improvements in glucose and insulin levels, which is significant for those with obesity who are at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes. However, while the findings suggest a promising link between ketosis and slowed aging, some experts remain cautious. Dr. Mir Ali, a bariatric surgeon, explained that while a ketogenic diet may show benefits, weight loss in general leads to improvements in health, making it difficult to attribute the results solely to the diet itself.
Another expert, Dr. Tiffany Marie Hendricks, raised concerns about the safety of very low-calorie ketogenic diets, noting potential risks such as nutrient deficiencies, electrolyte imbalances, and ketoacidosis if not carefully monitored. She pointed out that the study did not report any adverse effects in detail, but long-term safety data is still lacking, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly or individuals with kidney issues. Overall, while the study highlights the potential for dietary changes to impact biological aging, further research is needed to confirm the long-term benefits and safety of such diets.
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