Health Matters

Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.

Calorie restriction may slow aging

By Jamie Ducharme

Health Correspondent

Finding a way to slow, stop, or reverse human aging is a Holy Grail of scientific research. And a study published today brings scientists one step closer to that ambitious goal.

The researchers found that prolonged calorie restriction may slow the rate at which humans age by up to 3%—a seemingly small shift that they say could translate to a significantly lower risk of premature death. But skipping your afternoon snack isn’t enough to see that kind of effect. The people in the study were supposed to slash their daily calorie consumption by 25% for two years, a steep drop that not everyone stuck to for the full two years.

Even the researchers say this kind of extreme diet isn’t a “practical” solution for slowing aging at a population level. But the findings at least suggest it’s possible to slow the rate at which humans age, a finding that could have big implications for public health.

Share the story

What else to read

Bird Flu Isn’t a Danger to Humans…Yet

By Haley Weiss

Outbreaks of avian flu are decimating poultry farms worldwide, but the virus would need some very specific mutations to pose a significant threat to humans.

PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ Are Turning Up in Menstrual Products. Here’s What You Need to Know

By Jeffrey Kluger

PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals," have been detected in tampons, pads, period underwear, and more. Experts worry about health risks.

To Address Doctor Shortage, South Korea Proposes Less Medical Malpractice Punishment

By Chad de Guzman

Civic society groups have called the proposal a “step in the wrong direction,” criticizing it for patronizing doctors instead of catering to patients’ needs.

What We Know So Far About John Fetterman’s Hospitalization

By Mini Racker

Fetterman was hospitalized on Feb. 8 after he began feeling lightheaded.

How to Stop Catastrophic Thinking at Bedtime

By Pedram Navab

"Like our emotions, negative and irrational thoughts will also adversely affect our sleep," explains Dr. Pedram Navab.

AN EXPERT VOICE

"Couples therapy is one of the best [potential] uses of MDMA. What happens with MDMA is, if I had to put a word to it, self-acceptance. There's oxytocin release, self love, self compassion, connection with others...There's also this ability to navigate difficult emotions."

—Rick Doblin, founder and executive director of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies

If you were forwarded this and want to sign up to receive it daily, click here.

Today's newsletter was written by Jamie Ducharme and edited by Angela Haupt.

READ MORE

"Couples therapy is one of the best [potential] uses of MDMA. What happens with MDMA is, if I had to put a word to it, self-acceptance. There's oxytocin release, self love, self compassion, connection with others...There's also this ability to navigate difficult emotions."

—Rick Doblin, founder and executive director of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies