dietary restriction and longevity
there is evidence to suggest that intensive dietary manipulation earlier in life can increase longevity, although most current evidence comes from animal studies. it has been suggested that a long-term energy (kilocalorie) - restricted (but otherwise nutrition-ally complete) diet, which maintains a lower than normal body weight, can extend life span: animal models suggest by up to 30-60% such energy restriction would have to be maintained for the majority of adult life, which would require a great deal of dedication and will-power. more research is required to establish the long-term consequences of such a diet in humans. however, it seems unlikely, even if considerable increases in longevity in humans can be proven, that it will ever be advised for, or followed by, most of the population