Scientists may have found a way to extend lifespan without strict dieting; here’s what the research shows

For ages, the quest for a longer life has captivated humanity, driving pursuits through alchemy, mythology, and now, scientific exploration. While the mythical philosopher's stone remains elusive, dietary restriction, or eating less, has emerged as a reliable method to extend lifespan in animals. This practice triggers biological mechanisms that effectively slow down aging and enhance longevity. However, the challenge lies in the difficulty and sustainability of strict dieting for many individuals. The key question is: Can we achieve similar benefits without the constant feeling of hunger? Could scientific advancements lead to treatments that mimic the effects of calorie restriction, offering a longer, healthier life, free from the burdens of constant dieting?

Scientists explore molecules that mimic the biological effects of reduced food intake. Rapamycin and metformin are two heavily researched compounds in this domain. These compounds offer the potential to increase lifespan without the physiological and psychological challenges of strict dieting.

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of East Anglia's School of Biological Sciences compared the impact of these drugs to dietary restriction. The findings revealed that rapamycin demonstrated life-extending effects nearly as consistently as eating less, while metformin did not show the same longevity benefits.

Why is dietary restriction so effective?

Comparing the effectiveness of dietary restriction and medication for longevity.

Dietary restriction has long been considered the gold standard in anti-aging research. Initial studies revealed that laboratory rats on lower-calorie diets lived longer compared to their normally fed counterparts. Subsequent research has reinforced that reduced calorie consumption, whether through portion control or intermittent fasting, can extend lifespan across various species.

However, strict dieting is difficult to maintain, and excessive restriction can be detrimental to health. This is why scientists are dedicated to finding alternatives that offer the same benefits with fewer drawbacks.

Rapamycin and Metformin: The Anti-Aging Contenders

Rapamycin, discovered in Easter Island soil in the 1970s, is a powerful immunosuppressant drug used to prevent organ transplant rejection. Its anti-aging properties stem from its ability to inhibit mTOR, a key molecular switch that signals nutrient abundance to cells. By suppressing this signal, rapamycin mimics the effects of dietary deprivation at a cellular level. Research even indicates that combining rapamycin with trametinib can further extend the lifespan of mice.

Metformin, a compound derived from the French lilac plant, is commonly prescribed to manage blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Similar to rapamycin, it targets the body's nutrient-sensing mechanisms. Given its established safety record and widespread use, metformin has been considered a promising candidate for life extension.

However, a review of 167 studies involving eight vertebrate animals, from fish to rats, found no consistent evidence that metformin prolonged lifespan. This suggests that it may not fully replicate the benefits of dietary restriction, at least when used alone.

The Verdict: Dietary Restriction, Rapamycin, and Metformin

The research focused on three key interventions:

• Dietary restriction (reducing food intake)
• Rapamycin
• Metformin

The results clearly indicated that:

• Dietary restriction remains the most reliable method for increasing lifespan.
• Rapamycin shows great promise, with consistent results across several species and both sexes.
• Metformin, unfortunately, did not produce consistent benefits.

Based on these findings, rapamycin emerges as one of the most exciting leads in the pursuit of effective anti-aging treatments.

The Future of Aging Research

While aging is not a disease, it is the primary risk factor for many chronic conditions, including cancer, dementia, and cardiovascular disease. Slowing down the aging process, even modestly, could lead to healthier, longer lives and reduce healthcare costs, particularly as global populations age. However, caution is warranted. Some studies have reported shortened lifespans with rapamycin or dietary restriction, and the majority of research has been conducted on laboratory animals, not humans.

Dr. Edward Ivimey-Cook, co-lead researcher from the University of Glasgow, emphasized, "While our findings don't advocate for widespread rapamycin use just yet, they do reinforce the need for continued research into its potential for promoting healthy aging. This also opens up broader conversations around the development of longevity-focused treatments."

Dr. Sultanova supported this view, noting, "Our results highlight drug repurposing as a promising strategy for enhancing both healthspan and lifespan." Both rapamycin and metformin are currently undergoing human clinical trials, with definitive results yet to be released.