The LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center is conducting a study to find out how intermittent fasting as a weight-loss method affects the aging process.
Professor Dr. Corby Martin says the first approach is based on the traditional calorie counting.
“When we restrict how many calories and organism consumes it of course loses some weight and that is associated with improved health and those organisms actually live longer,” Dr. Martin said.
The study will evaluate the results of participants aged 25 to 49, who eat less and whether it slows aging or decreases diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure over a six-month period.
The second approach tests the results of time-restricted eating also known as intermittent fasting. During this dietary strategy, Martin says individuals limit when they eat throughout the day.
“This is a group of dietary strategies where people limit when they eat throughout the day. So instead of eating for 12 or 13 hours each day, we’re going to ask people to eat over only eight hours per day,” the doctor said.
The diet isn’t recommended for those who vape or use tobacco products or who have smoked in the last six months.
In addition to affecting health and possible longevity, Martin says both methods promote weight loss and overall metabolic health. He says all participants will receive free meals, diet plans, and a personal weight health coach.
“We provide a lot of assistance at helping them follow the meal plan and achieve the weight loss that we’re targeting. Most participants in these trials lose between 10 or even 12 percent of their body weight so we’re going to be targeting a similar amount of weight loss in this trial,” he said.
To enroll in the study, participants can contact (225) 763-3000 or click here to visit the Pennington Biomedical research trials site. Individuals must also be willing to travel to the Baton Rouge site.
Pennington Biomedical Research Center seeks to find out
