Researchers Explore the Health and Weight Loss Benefits of Low-Calorie Diets

Over the course of the last fifty years, the conventional wisdom on the number of calories you should consume while trying to lose weight has varied wildly. In the mid-twentieth century, dieters routinely stuck to very low calorie diets while trying to shed excess pounds.

By the 1980s, calorie counts in the 1000-1500 range were recommended, although the emphasis was placed on low-fat and fat-free calorie sources. In the early 2000s, calorie counting was dismissed altogether in favor of carb counting. Today, researchers are split on the calorie question.

In general, most scientists, doctors, and diet gurus don't recommend dipping below 1000 calories a day during a weight loss effort. However, a growing body of research into very low calorie diets is beginning to force some experts to reconsider this stance.

It has long been known that low calorie counts can help dieters speed up their weight loss. In fact, morbidly obese individuals are often placed on low-calorie liquid diets for the most rapid results. Still, for the majority of dieters, this practice is seen as unnecessary -- and potentially unsafe.

Still, recent research has begun to explore the idea that low-calorie diets might have other health benefits, in addition to their long-established role in the battle of the bulge. This week, we'll take a look at some recent research results that demonstrate the potential health and weight loss benefits of low-calorie diets.

Low Calorie Diets May Boost Cells' Ability to Repair and Rejuvenate Themselves

In recent years, a number of groups have contended that eating a low-calorie diet filled with super-nutritious foods may be the path to a veritable fountain of youth. Although these claims have not yet been fully substantiated by research, one recent study conducted by scientists at the University of Florida has demonstrated significant benefits of low-calorie diets at the level of cell activity.

According to the study, the cells of laboratory rats that were fed restricted-calorie diets demonstrated very high levels of activity in comparison to those rats that were fed standard-calorie diets. Specifically, the cells of the low-calorie diet group appeared to be able to repair, refresh, and rejuvenate themselves in ways not replicated by the standard calorie group. The cellular process, known as autophagy, seemed to kick into high gear after several months of a low-calorie diet.

The scientists determined that it was this unique cell rejuvenation process that may be responsible for the lengthened life span seen in animals that eat low calorie diets. The next step may be evaluating the impact of low-calorie eating on human life spans.

Decreased Calorie Consumption Linked to Increased Heart Health

Scientists at the Washington University School of medicine recently conducted a study geared to assess the long-term health impact of low-calorie diets. They conducted in-depth health analyses of two groups of people, one of which was comprised of men and women who ate typical Western diets, and one of which included people who made a habit of eating fewer calories. The low-calorie group was comprised of men and women who, for various reasons, voluntarily adhered to a diet that included an average daily intake of approximately 1600 calories, well below the norm for Western adults.

The health analyses of the two groups revealed many differences, most of which favored the low-calorie group. Most significant, though, were the differences in heart function over time. The men and women in the low-calorie group enjoyed better heart health much later in life than their counterparts in the standard calorie consumption group. Generally, the low-calorie groups had stronger, more flexible heart tissue, which is usually seen in much younger populations.

Although these results bode well for the growing low-calorie movement, the researchers stated that more research is needed to determine the full health impact of long-term caloric restriction. In addition, they caution that a low-calorie diet should not be a low-nutrient diet.

When it Comes to Weight Loss, Calories Do Count

Calorie-conscious diets have fallen out of favor in recent years, with the growing popularity of plans that focus on what kind of foods you eat, rather than how much you eat. Indeed, some diet gurus counsel their followers to ignore calories altogether.

However, the results of a recent joint study conducted by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Tufts University seem to indicate that the opposite may be true.

The study compared the weight loss success of a large group of adult men and women following many different types of diets, ranging from low-carb to low-calorie. After comparing the results of all of the different dieters, the researchers concluded that it was controlling the number of calories, rather than eating certain types of foods, that seemed to be the most consistent ingredient in successful weight loss efforts.

Across the board, the dieters who ate fewer calories were those who lost the most weight. The researchers concluded that regardless of which type of diet works for each individual, developing an awareness of calorie consumption is a good way to ensure that your diet efforts will meet with success.

If you're thinking about decreasing your calories to lose weight, check with your doctor first to make sure your eating plan won't imperil your health. And be sure to check back each week for the diet and fitness news that will help you achieve success on your weight loss journey.