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A new study has revealed that following a diet which imitates the biological effects of fasting — without actual starvation — may extend biological lifespan by several years, according to a report published by The Daily Mail citing the journal Nature Communications.

Researchers found that people who followed a “fasting-mimicking diet” (FMD) for 15 days reduced their biological age by more than two and a half years on average.

The tests also showed a reduction in the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, based on blood biomarkers from the participants.

Less Than 1,000 Calories

The fasting-mimicking diet consists of fewer than 1,000 calories per day, made up of low-fat soups, healthy snacks, and nutritional supplements.
It essentially tricks the body into thinking it is fasting, triggering enzymes and chemical processes associated with longevity.

Professor Valter Longo, a biologist at the University of Southern California (Los Angeles) who developed the diet and led the research, said:

“This is the first study of its kind to demonstrate that a nutrition-based intervention — without requiring major long-term lifestyle or dietary changes — can rejuvenate people biologically.”

The Regimen Used in the Study

The regimen involved three five-day cycles of fasting-mimicking nutrition.

• On the first day, participants consumed around 1,100 calories.

• On days two to five, they consumed about 720 calories per day.
  Their meals mainly included light foods and herbal teas.

Nutrient breakdown:

• Day 1: 34% carbohydrates, 10% protein, 56% fat

• Days 2–5: 7% carbohydrates, 9% protein, 44% fat
  After completing the cycles, participants returned to their normal diet for 25 days.

Participants: Men and Women up to 70 Years Old

The study included both men and women between 18 and 70 years old.

After three months, blood tests revealed that participants in the fasting-mimicking group had lower diabetes risk markers, including reduced insulin resistance and lower blood sugar levels.

Biological Age

Chronological age refers to the actual years a person has lived, whereas biological age measures the condition of the body’s cells and tissues — a more accurate indicator of health and disease risk.

Impressive Health Benefits

MRI scans showed participants also had reductions in liver and visceral fat, which are strongly linked to lower risks of metabolic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Additionally, fasting-mimicking cycles increased lymphocyte levels, indicating a younger and more active immune system.

Researchers believe this type of diet has a rejuvenating effect on the immune system.
Previous animal studies have shown similar results — fasting-mimicking diets can even regenerate blood cells.

Cellular “Cleanup” — Autophagy

The body has a built-in process known as autophagy, or “self-eating,” which helps cells clean out damaged components and recycle them.
This process occurs naturally and is crucial for maintaining healthy cells.
The more efficiently autophagy occurs, the healthier and longer-lived the body becomes.

A fasting-mimicking diet speeds up autophagy, helping the body eliminate damaged cells and prevent diseases associated with aging.

How It Works

This diet delivers the benefits of fasting — cleansing and cellular rejuvenation — while still providing essential nutrients.

In contrast, water-only fasting means consuming nothing but water for a set period.
While some people use water fasting for weight loss or lowering blood sugar, it’s harder to sustain and riskier without medical supervision.

Source: Syndicate of Health Workers, Akre Branch