Calorie Restriction as Discussed on Oprah
On a few recent episodes of Oprah, Dr’s discussed calorie restriction as a method of life extension. Tom Venuto points out some flaws in the theory as it regards to weight loss as well as life extension. When caloric restriction is practiced with optimal nutrition (CRON), it is not inherently unhealthy. Actually, it appears the reverse is true. First, the weight loss that comes with the low calories produces improvements in the health markers, as you would expect. Second, the meticulous choice of food from CRON practitioners, where they pick high nutrient foods and avoid empty calories means that they are making healthy food choices. Third, advocates say that the CR itself improves health. I wonder, however, how much does CR improve health independent of the weight loss and the optimal nutrition?
