(NaturalPath) A new study published online in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine by the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana noted that a 25 percent calorie restriction over two years by adults who were not obese was linked to better health-related quality of life.
The study took 218 men and women with a body mass index (BMI) of 22 to 28 and separated them into one of two groups: either two years of a 25 percent calorie restriction or whatever they wanted as the control group. The participants were given self-report questionnaires so the researchers could evaluate the individuals’ mood, quality of life, sleep and sexual function. Data was taken at baseline and at the one and two year marks. The average age was nearly 38.
The results of the study were that the calorie restriction group lost an average of 16.7 pounds compared with less than a pound in the control group by the end of the study. They also had improved mood, reduced tension and improved general health and secual drive and relationship by the end of the study and improved sleep at year one. Also, the more weight loss the more impact to the participant. So even if you aren’t obese it is still a good idea to reduce your caloric intake.
Razi Berry, Founder and Publisher of Naturopathic Doctor News & Review (ndnr.com) and NaturalPath (thenatpath.com), has spent the last decade as a natural medicine advocate and marketing whiz. She has galvanized and supported the naturopathic community, bringing a higher quality of healthcare to millions of North Americans through her publications. A self-proclaimed health-food junkie and mother of two; she loves all things nature, is obsessed with organic gardening, growing fruit trees (not easy in Phoenix), laughing until she snorts, and homeschooling. She is a little bit crunchy and yes, that is her real name.