Arcadia Weight Loss Doctors Talks About Calorie Restriction for Weight Loss as a Lifestyle Choice

Arcadia Weight Loss Doctors Says:
What is the calorie restriction movement?

It is a group of people who maintain a body weight of 10%-20% lower than the conventionally recommended weight, attained by following a diet that provides 10%-40% fewer calories than average intake (although 10%-25% less is the most commonly recommended range for calorie restriction). Followers of this diet generally lose weight easily, however, they are not hungry. While formal exercise do not play a key role in inducing weight loss this diet, yoga and resistance exercise are common. The diet is thought to reduce the risks of cancer, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, and diabetes. Most calorie restriction followers have a total body fat percentage of approximately 7%. The goal for healthy weight and more importantly longevitiy.

Arcadia Weight Loss Doctors Says:
How did the calorie restriction movement start?

Research, going back 60 years in some cases, showed that mice fed 30%-40% less than what they conventionally were fed lived longer and did not contract terminal diseases nearly as frequently as their counterparts did. In fact, 10%-40% of the calorie-restricted mice not only lost weight but lived 30% longer that the conventional age of death. Research performed on roundworms, guppies, spiders, and fruit flies yielded similar results. Interesting, some research showed that mice on a calorie restriction rapid weight loss diet lived longer if they did not exercise.

In September 1991, Edward Bass locked 4 men and 4 women in Biosphere 2. Among the members was Roy Walford, MD, a researcher at UCLA. The group of participants was released 2 years after entering the glass and steel structure, where they were without access to external air, food, or water. The plan was to grow their own crops within the compound, but a large percentage of the crops failed to yield food. When the 8 participants had physical checkups after their 2-year stint of near starvation, their blood pressure and harmful LDL levels had dropped significantly, their blood sugar was low, and their insulin sensitivity was high.

Arcadia Weight Loss Doctors Says:
Is there any proof that calorie restriction will not only achieve consistent weight loss but also increase the life span of humans?

Luigi Fontana, MD, PhD, from the Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, looked at 18 patient in a study who were on the caloric restriction program for an average of 6 years. Their risk of cardiovascular disease was deemed “like a teenager’s,” dramatically lower than the average person’s. 
UCLA has studied rhesus monkeys, which share 95% of their genes with humans, since 1990.  The monkeys on calorie restriction have less diabetes, less arthritis, less muscular damage, and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. The oldest moneys now are reaching the age of normal natural death. The next few years will reveal important data for calorie restriction research.
The people of Okinawa, now widely known for their healthy diet and related lowered risk of disease and increased longevity, follow what is a less-strict form of calorie restriction.

Arcadia Weight Loss Doctors Says:
What should you eat to achieve optimal caloric restriction for weight loss and longevity?

Proponents of this movement eat 1 meal a day , with only a few snacks scatter in between. However, others do eat the typical 3-meal-a-day diet. Mostly vegetables, but some fruits (avocado, cranberries, raspberries, and strawberries) and nuts (almond, hazelnut, pecans, pistachios, and walnuts) also are recommended. These type of food not only promote rapid weight loss but some have also been shown to promote longevity independent of calories. Grapeseed oil, flax oil, and olive oil are allowed. Chicken eggs and Alaskan salmon occasionally are consumed. Some calorie restriction followers also eat lean beef, chicken, and skim cow’s milk. Some lentils, whole-grain cereals, and beans also are eaten. Brewer’s yeast and psyllium husk often are added to food. Sugar and flour are avoided. Many people who practice calorie restriction turn to Barry Sears’ advice from the popular Zone diet. 

Arcadia Weight Loss Doctors Says:  
What are the risks of calorie restriction?

Most calorie restriction followers report some discomfort. Cold sensitivity, pain upon sitting, insomnia, lethargy, hunger, loss of libido, menstrual irregularity, and weakness commonly are cited as problems. Reduced bone density is a big concern. In addition, some studies have shown an increased risk for the development of eating disorders. Some studies show calorie restriction followers have an increased propensity for psychosis and depression. Social interactions often suffer as a result of adopting the calorie restriction lifestyle. Planning, preparation, and education are very time consuming.

Lastly, Arcadia Weight Loss Doctors Says:
Why is calorie restriction thought to increase longevity?

Hypotheses include:

• Calorie restriction slows the rate of cell division in tissues
• Calorie restriction limits injury to mitochondria
• Calorie restriction triggers all unnecessary bodily functions to shut down, reserving energy for later in life
• Calorie restriction alters the pattern of gene activity in organs such as the heart and brain
• Meal skipping puts a mild stress on cells that helps them to cope with more severe stress
• Calorie restriction boosts immunological response
• Calorie restriction reduces the amount of sugar deposited on long-living bodily proteins

For more information about Los Angeles’ premier Medical Weight Management Center near Arcadia, please contact Valens Medical and come in for a Consultation with one of our specialist doctors.

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